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Washington During War Time
A SERIES OF PAPERS
SHOWING THE
MILITARY, POLITICAL, AND SOCIAL PHASES DURING 1861 TO 186^
OFFICIAL SOUVENIR OF THE THIRTY-SIXTH ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT
OF THE
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
COLLECTED AND EDITED BY
MARCUS BENJAMIN
under the direction of the committee on literature for the Encampment
WASHINGTON CITY IQ02
COMMITTEE ON LITERATURE FOR THE ENCAMPMENT
GENERAL THOMAS M. VINCENT, Chairman
MRS. ISABEL W. BALL, Secretary
DR. MARCUS BENJAMIN, Editor
ALLEN D. ALBERT, JR.
GENERAL H. V. BOYNTON
WILLIAM V. COX
GENERAL A. W. GREELY
JAMES F. HOOD
DR. CHARLES MOORE
A. J. PARSONS
BRAINARD H. WARNER, JR.
INTRODUCTION
THE objective point in a military campaign is the capital city of the enemy. Washington was three times during our Civil War almost within the grasp of the enemy, but it was never taken. The persistent cry of "On to Richmond ! ' ' showed the aim of the Federal armies.
The object of this Souvenir is to give to the veteran soldiers the history of the Capital during the years between the opening and closing of the war. It begins with a series of descriptions of Washington, showing the peaceful nature of that pleasant town, taken from contemporary writers. This is followed by an account of the anxiety of those who were loyal to the Union lest the friends of those who were disloyal should succeed in turning the Government over to the Southern States, culminating in the successful organization of the military by General Stone and the arrival of the volunteer troops from the North. The defenses of Washington, so ably constructed by the engineers, show the skill with which the Capital was made impregnable, while the defending of the Potomac by the naval forces is described as showing their part in the struggle for the protection of Washington. Then follows a description of the unsuccessful raid of Early, and an account of the check of the Confederate forces at Fort Stevens. The fear of capture is forever dissipated fry the joy of delivery. The story of the sad death of Lincoln is told by an eye-witness of the last scenes in the life of that great martyr, while the history of the military features comes to a close with a descrip- tion of the Grand Review.
[vl
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
The building up of the military power of the United States ; the splendid work done in the hospitals ; as well as that accom- plished by the Christian and Sanitary Commissions ; and the transformation of Arlington into a memorial for the heroes of the war, are fully described. The final pages of the book contain an interesting account of the political and social con- ditions that prevailed in Washington during the war period, and a description of the development of the smaller town into the greater and magnificent Washington of today.
M. B.
vi I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction v
Table of Contents v"
List of Illustrations xl
Organization of the United States Government xiii
Washington on the Eve of the Civil War. By Wilhelmus
Bogart Bryan, Chronicler of the Columbia Historical Society . 3
The Military Situation in Washington in 1861. By Marcus Benjamin, President of the Society of the War of 1812 15
The Defenses of Washington. By John Gross Barnard, Major
General by brevet and Colonel, Corps of Engineers 29
The Part taken by the Naval Forces in the Defense of Washington during the Civil War. By Richard Wain- wright, Commander U. S. Navy and Superintendent Naval Academy 47
Early's March to Washington. By Thomas McCurdy Vincent,
Brigadier General, by brevet, U. S. Army 53
Fort Stevens, Where Lincoln Was Under Fire. By William
Van Zandt Cox, Author of the Defenses of Washington ... 71
The Death of President Lincoln. By Thomas McCurdy
Vincent, Brigadier General, by brevet, U. S. Army 85
The Grand Review. By John McElroy, Senior Vice Commander,
Grand Army of the Republic 97
The Military Power of the United States as Shown During the War of The Rebellion. By Thomas McCurdy Vincent, Brigadier General, by brevet, U. S. Army 107
The War Hospitals. By John Wells Bulkley, Surgeon in Charge
of the Patent Office Hospital x47
The Humanities of the War. By William Jones Rhees,
Archivist of the Smithsonian Institution 165
Arlington and Battlefield Cemeteries. By Isabel Worrell Ball, Chairman, Press Committee, Thirty-Sixth National Encampment l°5
Political and Social Conditions During the War. By Brain- ard H. Warner, Chairman of the Thirty-Sixth National Encamp- ment J99
Washington of Today. By Henry Browne Floyd Macjarland,
President, Board of Commissioners, District of Columbia .... 209
[vii]
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Page
Abraham Lincoln, with Signature. A photograph by Brady,
obtained through the courtesy of Mr. O. H. Oldroyd ii
A Bird's Eye View of Washington in 1862. A steel engrav- ing, from the collection of Mr. James F. Hood 2
Vignette Portrait of General Winfield Scott, a war-time engraving by H. B. Hall, from the collection of Mr. James F. Hood 3
View of Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol. A war- time lithograph, from the collection of Mr. James F. Hood ... 12
Fortification in Front of Washington in 1S62. From the Brady collection, obtained through the courtesy of General Greely 14
Vignette Portrait of General Charles P. Stone. From the Brady collection, obtained through the courtesy of General Greely 15
Barricade in the Treasury Building. A wood cut published
in 1 861, from the collection of Mr. James F. Hood 26
View of Battery Kemble. A lithograph in General Barnard's
Report on the Defenses of Washington 28
Vignette Portrait of General J. G. Barnard. A war-time
engraving by A. H. Ritchie . 29
Bomb-proof Fort near Washington. From the Brady collec- tion, obtained through the courtes}' of General Greely .... 44
View of Battery Rodgers. A lithograph in General Barnard's
Report on the Defenses of Washington 46
Vignette Portrait of Secretary Welles. From the Brady
collection, obtained through the courtesy of General Greely . . 47
View of the Washington Navy Yard. A colored war-time lith- ograph, from the collection of Mr. James F. Hood 50
Confederate Cavalry Raiding New Windsor, Maryland. A
war-time sketch, from the collection of Mr. W. V. Cox ... 52
Vignette Portrait of General M. C. Meigs. From the Brady
collection, obtained through the courtesy of General Greely . . 53
On the Parapet at Fort Stevens. A war-time photograph,
from the collection of Mr. W. V. Cox 68
Night Attack on Fort Stevens, July ii, 1S64. A war-time
sketch, from the collection of Mr. W. V. Cox 70
fix]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Page
Vignette Portrait of General Horatio G. Wright. A pho- tograph by Prince, obtained through the courtesy of Mrs. Rosa Wright Smith 71
Confederate Assault on the Works Near Washington, July 12, 1S64. A war-time sketch, from the collection of Mr. W. V. Cox .... 82
Ford's Theatre Immediately After Lincoln's Death. A
contemporary wood cut, from the collection of Mr. James F.
Hood 84
Vignette Portrait of General T. M. Vincent. A war-time
photograph, loaned by General Vincent 85
View of the House in Which Lincoln Died. A contemporary
wood cut, from the collection of Mr. James F. Hood 94
The Grand Review on Pennsylvania Avenue. A colored print,
obtained through the courtesy of General Vincent 96
Vignette Portrait of General H. W. Halleck. From the
Brady collection, obtained through the courtesy of General
Greely 97
The National Armory, now the U. S. Fish Commission. A
war-time engraving, from the collection of Mr. James F. Hood 104
The Capitol Prison. A war-time photograph, from the collection
of Mr. James F. Hood 106
Vignette Portrait of Secretary Stanton. From the Brady
collection, obtained through the courtesy of General Greely . . 107 Old War Department Building. A war-time print, from the
collection of Mr. James F. Hood 144
Douglas and Stanton Hospitals. A colored lithograph made
in 1864, obtained through the courtesy of Mr. Max Lansburgh . 146 Vignette Portrait of Dr. J. W. Bulkley. A photograph by
Bachrach, obtained through the courtesy of Mr. Barry Bulkley . 147
Campbell General Hospital. A colored lithograph made in
1864, obtained through the courtesy of Mr. Max Lansburgh . . 162
View of the Soldier's Rest. A colored lithograph made in
1864, obtained through the courtesy of Mr. Max Lansburgh . . 164
Vignette Portrait of General E. D. Townsend. A photo- graph by Brady, obtained through the courtesy of Mr. Dallas B. Wainwright 165
View of Military Asylum, now Soldiers' Home. A colored
war-time lithograph, from the collection of Mr. James F. Hood. 182
[x]
LIST OF ILLUSTRATION'S
Pace
View of Long Bridge. From the Brady collection, obtained
through the courtesy of General Greely 184
Vignette Portrait of General Irwin McDowell. A photo- graph taken in 1861, obtained through the courtesy of Mr. Max Lansburgh !°5
Arlington House. A steel engraving, from the collection of
Mr. James F. Hood J96
Eighth Massachusetts Regiment in the Capitol. A wood
cut made in 1861, from the collection of Mr. James F. Hood . . 198
Vignette Portrait of Secretary Holt. From the Brady col- lection, obtained through the courtesy of General Greely . . .199
Washington Arsenal. A colored war-time lithograph, from the
collection of Mr. James F.Hood., 206
View of Pennsylvania Avenue Taken in September, 1902. A
photograph taken by Mr. Horace Woodward 208
Vignette Portrait of John Hay. A photograph taken in 1861,
obtained through the courtesy of Mr. Max Lansburgh 209
View of City Hall. A steel engraving, from the collection of
Mr. James F. Hood 215
Map of Fortifications and Defenses of Washington. (Ap- pendix A.)
Map Showing Location of War-time Hospitals. (Appen- dix B.)
Facsimile of Military Pass Issued by Department of Washington in 1861 217
[xi
ORGANIZATION
OF
THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
I. THE BUCHANAN ADMINISTRATION. (1S57-1S61.) President : James Buchanan (Pa.). Vice-President : John C. Breckinridge * (Ky. ). Secretary of State : Lewis Cass (Mich. ); Jeremiah S. Black (Pa.),
appointed Dec. 17, i860. Secretary of War: John B. Floyd* (Va.) ; Joseph Holt (Ky.)
{ad interim) Dec. 31, 1S60 ; regularly appointed Jan. 18, 1861. Secretary of the Navy : Isaac Toucey (Conn.). Secretary of the Treasury: HowELL Cobb* (Ga. ) ; Philip F.
Thomas (Md.), appointed Dec. 12, i860 ; John A. Dix (N. Y.),
appointed Jan. 11, 1S61. Attorney-General : Jeremiah S Black, Edwin M. Stanton (Pa.),
appointed Dec. 20, 1S60. Secretary of the Interior : Jacob Thompson* (Miss.). Postmaster-General: Aaron V. Brown (Tenn.), died Mar. 8, 1S59 ;
Joseph Holt (Ky. ), appointed Mar. 14, 1859; Horatio King
(Me.), appointed Feb. 12, 1861.
II. THE LINCOLN ADMINISTRATION. (1S61-1865.) President: Abraham Lincoln (111.). Vice-President: Hannibal Hamlin (Me.). Secretary of State : William H. Seward (N. Y.). Secretary of War: Simon Cameron (Pa. ) ; Edwin M. Stanton
(Pa.), appointed Jan. 15, 1S62. Secretary of the Navy : Gideon WELLES (Conn.). Secretary of the Treasury: Salmon P. Chase (Ohio); W. P,
Fessenden (Me. ), appointed July 1, 1S64 ; Hugh McCulloch
(Ind. ), appointed March 7, 1865. Secretary of the Interior : Caleb B. Smith (Ind. ); John P. Usher
(Ind.), appointed January 8, 1S63.
♦Afterward in the Confederate service.
[ xiii ]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Attorney-General: Edward Bates (Mo.); James Speed (Ky.),
appointed Dec. 2, 1864. Postmaster-General: Montgomery Blair (Md.) ; William Den-
nison (Ohio), appointed September 24, 1864.
The United States War Department. Secretary of War: Joseph Holt (appointed January 18, 1861);
Simon Cameron (appointed March 5, 1861 ); Edwin M. Stanton
(appointed January 15, 1862). Assistant Secretaries of War : Thomas A. ScoTT (appointed Aug. 3,
1861) ; Peter H. Watson (appointed Jan. 24, 1862); John Tucker (appointed Jan. 29, 1862); Christopher P. Wolcott (appointed June 12, 1862 ; resigned Jan. 23, 1863) ; Charles A. Dana (appointed August, 1863). (Colonel ScoTT was regularly commis- sioned under the Act ot August 3, 1861, authorizing the appoint- ment of one Assistant Secretary of War. Subsequently three Assistant Secretaries were authorized by law. )
Adjutant-General's Department: Colonel Samuel Cooper* (re- signed March 7, 1861); Brig.-Gen. Lorenzo Thomas (assigned to other duty March 23, 1863); Colonel Edward D. Townsend.
Quartermaster's Department : Brig.-Gen. Joseph E. Johnston * (resigned April 22, 1861 ); Brig.-Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs.
Subsistence Department: Colonel George Gibson (died Sept. 29, 1861); Brig.-Gen. Joseph P. Taylor (died Jan. 29, 1864); Brig.- Gen. Amos B. Eaton.
Medical Department : Colonel Thomas Dawson (died May 15, 1861) ; Colonel Clement A. Finley (retired April 14, 1862) ; Brig.-Gen. William A. Hammond ; Brig.-Gen. Joseph K. Barnes (appointed Aug. 22, 1864).
Pay Department : Colonel Benjamin F. Darned (died Sept. 6,
1862) ; Colonel Timothy P. Andrews (retired Nov. 29, 1864) ; Brig.-Gen. Benjamin W. Brice.
Coips of Topographical Engineers : Colonel John J. AberT (retired Sept. 9, 1861) ; Colonel Stephen H. Long. (This corps was con- solidated with the Corps of Engineers, under Act of March 3, 1863.)
Corps of Engineers : Brig.-Gen. Joseph G. ToTTEN (died April 22, 1864) ; Brig.-Gen. Richard Delafield.
Ordnance Department : Colonel Henry K. Craig ( until April 23, 1861) ; (Brig.-Gen. James W. Ripley (retired Sept. 15, 1863); Brig.-Gen. George D. Ramsay (retired Sept. 12, 1864) ; Brig.- Gen. Alexander B. Dyer.
* Afterward in the Confederate service.
[ xiv]
ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Bureau of Military Justice : Major John F. LEE ( resigned Sept. 4,
1862) ; Brig. -Gen. Joseph Holt.
Bureau of the Provost Marshal General (created by Act of March 3,
1863) ; Brig.-Gen. James B. Fry.
General Officers of the United States Army, Jannary 1, 1861 : Brevet Lieut. -Gen. Winfield Scott (General-in-Chief) ; Brig.- Generals John E. Wooe, David E. Twiggs*, William S. Harney. (Note — E. V. Sumner was promoted Brigadier-General March 16, 1861, vice David E.Twiggs, dismissed March 1, 1861.)
The United States Navy Department.
Secretary of the Navy : Gideon Welles.
Assistant Secretary : Gustavus V. Fox.
Yards and Docks : Rear-Admiral Joseph Smith.
Ordnance and Hydrography: Captain George A. Magruder (dis- missed April 22, 1861); Captain Andrew A. Harwood (relieved July 22, 1862) ; Rear Admiral Jonh A. Dahlgren (relieved June 24, 1863) ; Commander Henry A. Wise. (By Act of Congress of July 5, 1862, Hydrography was transferred to Bureau of Navi- gation. )
Navigation (established by Act of July 5, 1862) : Rear Admiral Charles A. Davis.
Equipment and Recruiting (established by Act of July 5 1862): Rear Admiral Andrew H. Foote (relieved June 3, 1863) ; Commander Albert N. Smith.
Construction, Equipment, and Repair : Chief Naval Constructor John Lenthall. (By Act of July 5, 1862, the Equipment and Recruiting Bureau was organized, and thereafter the old bureau was designated as Construction and Repair. )
Provisions and Clothing : Pay-Director Horatio Bridge.
Medicine and Surgery : Surgeon William Whelan.
Steam-Engineering (established by Act of July 5, 1862) : Engineer- in-Chief Benjamin F. Isherwood.
♦Afterward in the Confederate service.
[XV]
Washington on the Eve of the Civil War
By WILHELMUS BOGART BRYAN Chronicler of the Columbia Historical Society
ASHINGTON at the beginning of the Civil War, its appearance, its material and social phases, and the features incident to the opening scenes of the great drama of the war, has been described by a number of contem- porary writers. A selection of ex- tracts from some of these articles has been made for the purpose of furnish- ing a description, as full as possible, f of the city as it was forty years ago.
The picture presented is by no means complete, for in no instance did those quoted set out with the purpose of writing a history of the city. Otherwise we would have had statistics from official documents, and details more or less wearisome. The following rather gossipy and pleasant narratives furnish some facts which grave historians are apt to omit but which have a recognized value in forming any just estimate of the times that are past.
Washington of the war period as seen through the eyes of contemporaries is therefore presented for the inspection of a later generation.
Mrs. Mary E. W. Sherwood, whose delightful reminiscences of the past have charmed so many readers, writes agreeably of
CENL. WINFJELD SCOTT
[3l
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
"Washington Before the War" in LippincotV s Magazine for August, 1894. From her paper the following extract is taken :
It was a straggling mudhole in winter, but when spring came it was as beautiful (in spots) as it is now, and it had a gentler winter climate than at present. I have picked roses in January in Mrs. Seaton's garden.
Mrs. Fremont, her sister, Sue Benton, some pretty girls named Smith, the gifted nieces of Madame Calderon, the beautiful Mrs. Barton Key ; in fact, all our neighbors, on sum- mer evenings would run about to visit each other without bon- nets. People sat on the doorsteps and I have often seen a set of intimates walk up Pennsylvania Avenue to the old Capitol grounds, attended by senators and secretaries with their heads bare, at seven o'clock of a fine summer evening.
The following is an account of "The Methods of Local Travel" prior to the building in the year 1862 of the first street car line in the District, namely the one on Pennsylvania Avenue which extended from the Capitol to Fifteenth and G- Streets. This paper was originally presented before the Asso- ciation of the Oldest Inhabitants and was published in the Evening Star of December 15, 1899 :
The best days of the omnibus were in the fifties, for besides the two main lines, Nailor's and the Union, which ran by a schedule for a five-cent fare from the West Capitol gate to Georgetown, each with twenty-five or thirty busses, were the Peoples' Line of Moore, Vanscriver and Cooper, the Citizens Union Line owned by Weedon, McDermott, Ryther, and a num- ber of livery men, coach builders, and hackmen with some fifteen or twenty coaches. There were nearly a hundred such vehicles plying. There were the old lines from the Capitol to Georgetown ; the Navy Yard line ; and one from Sixth Street by way of Pennsylvania Avenue, Seventh Street, Mary-
[4]
ON THE EVE OF THE CIVIL WAR
land Avenue and Eleventh Street to and from the steamboat
wharves."
" Social Aspects of Washington before the Disunion " is the title of an anonymous communication that appeared in Once-a- Week on December 6, 1862. The writer is apparently of Eng- lish origin and from the account of the market was probably a woman. It contains the following interesting paragraphs :
The great heat in summer, which renders it desirable to have deep houses, is another reason for their exceeding ugliness. The rooms are always badly proportioned, long and narrow with windows at one end, and often the plan is so defective that there is a dark room on every floor, merely lighted from the passage. Four years ago there were but few houses which had water led into them in pipes ; every drop of water had to be fetched from the neighboring pump. In the spring the houses undergo a complete transformation ; cool mattings are laid down, and mirrors, picture frames, clocks, and ornaments of all kinds are swathed in pink net to protect them from the swarm of flies who are anathematised under the name of bugs. * * * Spring is a most enjoyable season in Washington ; in March the heat begins and soon the peach trees are covered with white blossoms as thick as new fallen snow. The magnolias lade the air with delicious fragrance and countless rainbow-hued blos- soms adorn the stately tulip tree and afford shelter in their calices for the fragile humming birds. Then is the season of pic- nics to Mount Vernon and the Falls ; one of the great amusements at the last-mentioned place is catching the shad, an excellent fish like a white salmon, and broiling it on a plank beside a fierce fire. * * * The great market at Washington is worth a visit. It is ten times the size of Covent Garden. The stir, the excitement of venders and buyers, the quaint old niggers selling their poultry and vegetables, and the numerous ladies, senators' wives included, going from stall to stall inspect- ing fish, flesh, and fowl and pausing at the pyramids of vegeta-
[5]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
bles to fill the immense basket with which their sable attendant is laden, render it well worth the trouble of getting up at six in the morning. It is an almost universal custom among the thrifty housewives thus to attend to their household con- cerns. One senator's wife went even further and avowed with pride that being unable to get her ballroom waxed to her mind she " reckoned she just sot down on her knees and did it her- self." Good kindly souls they are, and if they do pickle hams and wash up tea cups with their own hands, why our own great grandmothers did the same.
Congress generally prorogued alternately in March or July, and woe betide the unhappy mortals who had to wait on till the close of the session in July. The heat then became almost tropical, 92 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade. The flies rivalled those of Egyptian fame, the stinks of the ill-drained city became pestiferous, the fierce sunlight penetrated through the very walls of the badly-built houses. Washington was unen- durable, and all who could beat a speedy retreat to Nahant, Saratoga, and the Sulphur Springs.
There appeared in Benlley's Miscellany for 1861 an article entitled "The Federal City of Washington," by J. G. Kohl. The author is evidently a foreigner, and presents an interesting picture of Washington at the time mentioned. A few quota- tions are given :
The streets are miles in length and superfluously broad, and in the suburbs small cottages stand at wide intervals. Only in the center is there a more compact body, and the whole resem- bles a frame of Berlin wool work in which the fair embroideress has made spasmodic attempts at a commencement. * * * There is no state in the world which possesses proportionately so small, scantily populated, and shabby a capital as the American Union. * * * Pennsylvania Avenue connects the House of Congress and the White House in a straight line, and is hence one of the principal arteries of circulation in the city.
[6]
ON THE EVE OF THE CIVII, WAR
It was for a long time the only paved street in Washington, and, indeed, the majority of the streets are still without that useful article. During the rainy weather, consequently, the city is a swamp and the dry season constantly full of dust clouds. Along Pennsylvania Avenue are the principal shops, and hence it is the favorite, almost sole promenade of the fair sex. ! A little muddy stream, which in winter bears a little water along the base of the Capitol, but in summer is hardly liquid enough for geese, is called Tiber Creek. * * *
Washington is well provided with pleasant gardens, clumps of trees, alleys, and flower beds. This circumstance, and especially that of the long rows of trees accompanying the streets, gives the city a very pleasant aspect and it looks like a large rural village. The prettiest gardens and public places are around the White House or the Mansion as it is called in the higher and official style. * * * During spring, which ofien begins here in February with the pleasantest day and the mild- est air, the city assumes an almost idyllic garb. The kine pasture in the streets, the bull frogs croak and roar in the side lanes. The birds of passage twitter in all the trees and the humming birds flash around every flower. * * * A portion of the Washington street population consists of negroes, both free and slaves. * * * On Sunday the city appears almost entirely to belong to the negroes, for on that day they, and specially their wives, or as they call them " ladies," parade in the most elegant costumes, the most glaring colors, the broadest crino- lines, rustling in silks and most closely imitating the white ladies and gentlemen.
" Washington City " is the title of an article that appeared in the Atlantic Monthly for January, 1861, by G. W. Bagby. The following extract taken from that paper seems indeed curious at the present time and almost incredible :
Planned on a scale of surpassing grandeur, its architectural execution is almost contemptible. * * * It is a city without
[7]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
commerce and without manufactures. ¥ * * The site of the U. S. Treasury, it is the home of everything but affluence. Its public buildings are splendid, its private buildings generally squalid. The houses are low, the rents high. The streets are broad, the crossings narrow. The hacks are black and the horses are white ; the squares are triangular, except that of the Capitol, which is oval ; and the water is so soft that it is hard to drink it even with the admixture of alcohol. It has a monu- ment that will never be finished, a Capitol that is to have a dome, a scientific institute which does nothing but report the rise and fall of the thermometer ; and two pieces of equestrian statuary which it would be a waste of time to criticise.
It boasts a streamlet dignified with the name of the river Tiber, and this streamlet is of the size and much the ap- pearance of a vein in a dirty man's arm. It has a canal, but this canal is a mud puddle during one half of the day and an empty ditch during the other. * * * After a fortnight of steady rain, the sun shines out and in half an hour the streets are filled with clouds of dust. * * * The men are fine looking, the women homely. * * * Notwithstanding all these impediments and disadvantages, Washington is progressing rapidly. It is fast becoming a large city, but it must always remain a deserted village in the summer. Its destiny is that of the Union.
Captain Thomas M. Woodruff, who served during the Civil War in the Fifth Infantry, writes pleasantly on " Early War Days in the Nation's Capital " for the War Papers of the Minnesota Commandry of the Loyal L,egion. He was in the Capital at the beginning of the Civil War and describes the public buildings in the, following words :
These buildings were not what you see them now, nor was the city such as it is at present. The dome of the Capitol had only reached to the second tier of columns, and the House and Senate wings were quite incomplete. The north front and inner court of the Patent Office were in course of construction ; the
[8]
ON THE EVE OF THE CIVIE WAR
Post Office was only about one-third completed ; only the east front of the Treasury building existed. The State Department stood upon ground to which has been extended the north wing of the Treasury. The War and Navy Departments were old three-story brick buildings, on ground where now stands the beautiful granite pile comprising the offices for the State and the two last-named departments. The Washington Monument had, by the voluntary contributions of a grateful people, reached to one-third of its proposed height, and had practi- cally come to a standstill — which now is apparent by the sharp line where the cleaner marble shows a renewal of the work by means of Congressional appropriations. Pennsylvania Avenue and about one mile of Seventh Street were practically the only paved streets, and for these cobblestones were used, from between which, for half of the year, there was the ooze of some ofslavedom's nastiest slime, that during the rest of the year became a palpable dust, typical of the dark cloud that had settled over the Southern States, that just needed the Emanci- pation Proclamation to clear away and let in the wholesome sunlight of freedom.
Our last quotations are from the pen of Theodore Winthrop, that gifted young author whose "Cecil Dreeme " gave such promise of genius that his death by a bullet at Big Bethel was greatly deplored both in this country and abroad. At the re- quest of James Russell Dowell, then editor of the Atlantic Mo?ithly, he wrote two articles for that magazine, and from his "Washington as a Camp" that appeared in July, 1861, a few days after his death, the following extracts are taken :
We marched up the hill, and when the dust opened there was our Big Tent ready pitched. It was an enormous tent, the Sibley pattern modified. A simple soul in our ranks looked up and said, "Tent ! Canvas ! Idon'tseeit. That's marble." Whereupon a simpler soul informed us, " Boys, that's the Cap- itol." And so it was the Capitol, as glad to see the New York
[9]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Seventh Regiment as they to see it. The Capitol was to be our quarters, and I was pleased to notice that the top of the dome had been left off for ventilation. The Seventh had had a wearisome and anxious progress from New York. We had marched from Annapolis. * * * They gave us the Representa- tives' chamber for quarters. * * * Some of our companies were marched up stairs into the galleries. The sofas were to be their beds. * * * Most of us were bestowed in the amphithe- ater. Each desk received its man. He was to scribble on it by day and sleep under it by night. When the desks were all taken, the companies overflowed into the corners and into the lobbies. The staff took committee rooms. The Colonel reigned in the Speaker's parlor.
Once in, firstly we washed. * * * After the wash we showed ourselves to the eyes of Washington, marching by companies each to a different hotel to dinner. This became one of the ceremonies of our barrack life. We liked it. The Washing- tonians were amused and encouraged by it. * * * But the best of the entertainment was within the Capitol. Some three thousand or more of us were now quartered there. The Massa- chusetts Eighth were under the dome. No fear of want of air for them. The Massachusetts Sixth were eloquent for their state in the Senate Chamber. In the recesses, caves, and crypts of the Capitol, what other legions were bestowed I do not know. * * * The men were sworn into the service of the United States the afternoon of April 26. * * * We were drawn up by com- panies in the Capitol square for mustering in. * * * When we had been ten days in our showy barracks, we began to quarrel with luxury. * * * The May sunshine, the birds, and the breezes of May invited us to camp — the genuine thing under canvas. Besides Uncles Sam and Abe wanted our room for other company. Washington was filling up fast with uniforms. One afternoon my company, the Ninth, and the Engineers, the Tenth, were detailed to follow Captain Viele and lay out a camp on Meridian Hill. As we had the first choice, we got on the whole the best site for a camp. We occupy the villa and farm
[10]
ON THE EVE OF THE CIVIE WAR
of Dr. Stone, two miles due north of Willard's Hotel. * ;: * The house stands upon the pretty terrace commanding the plain of Washington. From the upper windows we can see the Potomac opening southward like a lake and between us and the water ambitious Washington stretching itself along and along like the shackly files of an army of recruits. Oaks love the soil of this terrace. There are some noble ones on the un- dulations before the house. L,et the ivy-covered stem of the Big Oak of Camp Cameron take its place in literature. * * * The old villa serves us for headquarters. It is a respectable place, not without its pretensions. Four granite pillars, as true grit as if the two Presidents Adams had lugged them on their shoulders from Quincy, Mass., make a carriage porch. Here is the Colonel in the big west parlor, the Quartermaster and Commissary in the rooms with sliding doors in the east, the Hospital upstairs, and so on. Other rooms numerous as the cells in a monastery serve as quarters for the Engineer company. These dens are not monastic in aspect. * * * In the middle hours in the day it is in order to get a pass to go to Washing- ton or to visit some of the camps which now, in the middle of May, begin to form a cordon around the city. Our Capital seems arranged by nature to be protected by fortified camps on the circuit of its hills. It may be made almost a Verona if need be. Our brother regiments have posts nearly as charming as our own in these fair groves and on these fair slopes on either side of us.
The writer gives an account of the order of May 23, for an advance at midnight into Virginia, the beginning of Federal occupation of that State. After leaving camp he says :
So we pegged along to Washington and across Washing- ton which at that point consists of Willard's Hotel, few other buildings being in sight. * * * Opposite that bald block the Washington Monument and opposite what was of more impor- tance to us — a drove of beeves putting beef on their bones in the seedy grounds of the Smithsonian Institution, we were halted
[11]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
while the New Jersey brigade, some three thousand of them, trudged by. * * * The L,ong Bridge thus far has been merely a shabby causeway with water ways and draws.
The writer then describes the construction of the earthworks on the ridge along the road to Alexandria at the place where that road bends from west to south and the return on May 26 of the regiment to Camp Cameron, when, as the thirty days had expired, it was mustered out of the service.
gjjj&a,
[12]
The Military Situation in Washington in 1 86 1
By MARCUS BENJAMIN President of the Society of the War of 1812
HE winter months of the year 1 860-6 1 were full of gloom to the residents of Washington. The fearful apprehension of the terrible nearness of the dreaded Civil War was con- stantly before them.
It will be remembered that after an intensely earnest and anxious canvass, Abraham Lincoln, the candidate of the Republican party, had been elected on a platform that denied the extension of slavery in the new States. Distinct threats that the success of the Republican candidate would be the signal for disunion, made during the heat of the canvass by extreme leaders in the Southern States, were soon found to be true. On December 20, i860, South Carolina passed an ordi- nance of secession and several of the leading members of Mr. Buchanan's cabinet manifested their clearly defined opinions by promptly withdrawing from their offices. It was indeed fortunate that staunch Union men, such as John A. Dix and Joseph Holt, were induced to take up the arduous duties of the
GEN. CHAS. P.STONE
[ 15]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Treasury Department and the War Department at that critical period, even though it was but for a few months.
Of the former, whose appointment was made at the urgent request of the financial men of New York city, it is a matter of official record that when he took office there were two revenue cutters at New Orleans which he ordered to New York. The Captain of one of these, after consulting with the Collector in New Orleans, refused to obey. Secretary Dix thereupon telegraphed :
Tell Lieutenant Caldwell to arrest Captain Breshwood, assume command of the cutter, and obey the order I gave through you. If Captain Breshwood, after arrest, undertakes to interfere with the command of the cutter, tell Iyieutenant Caldwell to consider him as a mutineer, and treat him accord- ingly. If anyone attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot.
These memorable words written in Washington, will live so long as the Stars and Stripes continue to float over our glorious country.
Passing to the military situation, a bill had been prepared under the direction of the retiring Secretary of War, abolishing all existing laws regulating the District of Columbia militia and volunteers and providing for a new organization, so that to quote General Charles P. Stone, who became, at the request of General Scott, Inspector General of the District of Columbia, on January 2, 1861 :
The only regular troops near the Capital of the country were three hundred or four hundred marines at the Marine Barracks, and perhaps a hundred enlisted men of ordnance at the Wash- ington Arsenal. The old militia system had been abandoned (without being legally abolished), and Congress had passed no law establishing a new one. The only armed volunteer organ-
[16]
THE MILITAKY SITUATION
izations in the District of Columbia were : one company of riflemen at Georgetown (the Potomac Light Infantry), one company of riflemen in Washington (the National Rifles;, a skeleton battalion of infantry (the Washington Light Infantry) of about one hundred and sixty men, and another small organ- ization called the National Guard Battalion.
Of these local organizations the Potomac Light Infantry Company of Georgetown was fairly drilled, well armed, and from careful information it seemed certain that the majority of its members could be depended upon in case of need. The National Rifles, through their commanding officer, announced as their purpose " to guard the frontier of Maryland and help to keep the Yankees from coming down to coerce the South ! ' ' On the other hand, the Washington Light Infantry organiza- tion and the National Guard were old volunteers, composed of residents of Washington, and were almost to a man faithful to the Government.
Colonel Stone at once set to work to organize volunteers for the preservation of order in the District, and in six weeks, or by the middle of February, was able to report that ' ' thirty-three companies of infantry and riflemen and two troops of cavalry were on the lists of the District volunteer force ; and all had been uniformed, equipped, and put under frequent drill."
The necessity of this force soon became apparent. A plan had been organized for the purpose of seizing the public depart- ments at an opportune moment and obtaining possession of the seals of the Government. The part assigned to the battalion organized under the name of the National Volunteers was to take possession of the Treasury Department for the benefit of a new provisional government.
This project, through the energetic efforts of Colonel Stone, was effectually prevented by his refusal to honor a requisition for arms and armament.
[17]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
In this connection it is eminently desirable to again quote from Colonel Stone, who has expressed his thorough apprecia- tion of the services of these volunteer soldiers in the following terms :
I think that the country has never properly appreciated* the services of those District of Columbia volunteers. It cer- tainly has not appreciated the difficulties surmounted in their organization. Those volunteers were citizens of the Federal District, and therefore had not at the time, nor have they ever since had, the powerful stimulant of a State feeling, nor the powerful support of a State government, a State's pride, a State press to set forth aud make much of their services. They did their duty quietly, and they did it well and faithfully. Although not mustered into the service and placed on pay until after the fatal day when the flag was fired upon, for the first time, at Sumter, yet they rendered great service before that time in giving confidence to those citizens of the District who were faithful to the Government, in giving confidence to members of the national legislature, and in giving confidence also to the President in the knowledge that there was at least a small force at its disposition ready to respond at any moment to his call. It should also be remembered of them, that the first troops mustered into the service were sixteen companies of these volunteers ; and that during the dark days when Washington was cut off from communication with the North, when railway bridges were burned and tracks torn up, when the Potomac was blockaded, these troops were the only reliance of the Government for guarding the public departments, for preserv- ing order and for holding the bridges and other outposts ; that these were the troops which recovered possession of the railway from Washington to Annapolis Junction and made practicable the re-opening of communication. They also formed the
* The total number of men received into the United States service and credited to the District from the beginning to the close of the Rebellion, was 16,872. — Journal of the Executive Council of the City of Washington, 1S66-67, page 728.
[18
THE MILITARY SITUATION'
advance guard of the force which first crossed the Potomac into Virginia, and captured the city of Alexandria.
A military force having been organized, the next important consideration was the preparation of a plan for the defense of the Capital.
Washington as a military post had no natural strength. It was accessible to an enemy on all sides. Moreover, a consid- erable portion of its inhabitants was believed to be in sympathy with the people of the South, and would have welcomed with joy the advent of the Rebel soldiers. The adjacent country was also the home of those who served in the Confederate Army, and whose fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and sweet- hearts, anxiously waited for the hour when the hated blue of the Yankees should no longer afflict them with its presence. These residents, peaceable and harmless though they seemed, were in reality a multitude of spies, through whom the condi- tion of the Capital was always known to the enemy.
As Inspector General of the District of Columbia, Colonel Stone was in command of the District troops, all the' infantry and cavalry which the Government then had at its disposition for the defense of the Federal District, the preservation of order in the Capital, and the guarding of the public buildings and archives of the nation. It was his duty to so station the troops that all approaches to the city should be constantly watched, and he held possession not only of the L,ong Bridge and Chain Bridge over the Potomac, but also stationed pickets far out on the roads leading into the city, and placed nightly guards in all of the public buildings.
Mention must be made of the seizure of the railroads and telegraphs, as well as the interesting incidents connected with the successful inauguration of President Lincoln as among the
[19]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
events that occurred during the early months of 1861, in which active participation was had by the volunteers under Colonel Stone.
The condition of affairs soon became critical, as is shown by the following conversation, which took place between General Scott and Colonel Stone, early in 1861.
General Scott said : " Gosport Navy Yard has been burned ! " I replied, quietly : " Yes, General ! " He continued : " Har- per's Ferry bridge has been burned ! " Again I replied : " Yes, General." Again he spoke : " The bridge at Point of Rocks was burned some days since!" I replied: " Yes, General." He continued: "The bridges over Gunpowder Creek beyond Baltimore have been burned ! " I still replied : "Yes, General." He added : "They are closing their coils around us, sir!" Still I replied, in the same tone : "Yes, General." " Now," said the general, " how long can we hold out here? " I replied : " Ten days, General, and within that time the North will come down to us."
" How will they come ? The route through Baltimore is cut off."
" They will come by all routes. They will come between the capes of Virginia, up through Chesapeake Bay, and by the Potomac. They will come, if necessary, from Pennsylvania through Maryland directly to us ; and they will come through Baltimore and Annapolis."
After some further discussion, General Scott asked :
" Where are your centers ? "
"There are three, General. First, the Capitol, where have been stored some two thousand barrels of flour, and where Major McDowell remains every night with from two hundred to three hundred of my volunteers. Second, the City Hall hill, a commanding point, with broad avenues and wide streets
[20]
THE MILITARY SITUATION
connecting it with most important points, having in its vicinity the Patent Office and the General Post Office, in each of which I place a force every night. In the General Post Office we have stored a large quantity of flour. Third, the Executive Square, including the President's house, the War, Xavy, State, and Treasury Departments, in each of which, and in Winder's building, I place a force every night after dusk. The citadel of this center is the Treasury building. The basement has been barricaded very strongly by Captain Franklin of the Engineers, who remains there at night and takes charge of the force. The front of the Treasury building is well flanked by the State Department building, and fifty riflemen are nightly on duty there. The building opposite is also occupied at nights. The outposts at Benning's bridge and the pickets in that direction will, in case of attack in force, retire, fighting, to the Capitol. Those on the northeast and north will, if pressed, retire by Seventh street to the City Hall hill, while those on the northwest and west will, in case of attack, fall back and finally take refuge in the Treasury building, where they will be joined by the detachments guarding the river front when the attack shall have become so marked and serious that only the centers can be held. In the Treasury building are stored two thousand barrels of flour, and perhaps the best water in the city is to be found there. The city is so admirably laid out in broad avenues and wide streets centering on the three positions chosen, that concentration for defense at any one of the three is made easy. The field battery can move rapidly toward any outpost where heavy firing shall indicate that the attack is there serious, and with the aid of this battery the retreat from that point can be made slowly enough to give time for concentration on that line of the outlying companies in positions not threatened. In case a sharp resistance outside
[21]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
the city may fail to prevent an advance of the enemy, we can occupy the centers until the North shall have time to come to our relief. All our information tends to show that the force of the enemy which can immediately act against the Capital does not exceed five thousand organized men ; and before that number can be largely increased our relief will come. These District of Columbia volunteers would be fighting in defense of their homes and would fight well."
He then said :
" Your plan is good. Your pickets will have to fight well, and must try to not fall back more than fifteen paces at a time and to fire at least once at each halt. This requires good men and good, devoted officers. These soldiers of the District will probably fight quite as well in defense of their homes as will the enemy in attacking them. But you have too many centers. You cannot hold three. You will need all your force concen- trated to hold one position against an energetic force equal to or superior in numbers to all you have. The first center to be abandoned must be the Capitol. It is a fireproof building. There is little in it that is combustible excepting the libraries of the Congress and the Supreme Court, and I do not believe that American soldiers, even in rebellion, are yet capable of burning or destroying public libraries and the archives of courts of justice."
" The second center to be abandoned will be the City Hall hill.
" Finally, if necessary, all else must be abandoned, to occupy, strongly and effectively, the Executive Square, with the idea of finally holding only the Treasury building, and, perhaps the State Department building, properly connected. The seals of the several departments of the Government must be deposited
[22]
THE MILITARY SITUATION
in the vaults of the Treasury. They must not be captured and used to deceive and create uncertainty among public serv- ants distant from the Capital."
Then, speaking more impressively, he said : " Should it come to the defense of the Treasury building as a citadel, then the President and all the members of his cabinet must lake up their quarters with us in that building ! They shall not be permitted to desert the Capital ! ' '
Colonel Stone's confidence in the loyal soldiers of the North- ern States was soon justified, for they came quickly.
To the honor of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is a matter of history that several hundred unarmed militia from that State were the first to reach Washington. Massachu- setts came next, and it is her proud record that her Sixth regiment of state militia arrived in Washington on April 19, after hard fighting in the streets of Baltimore, and was quar- tered in the Capitol.
Finally, on April 25, the famous Seventh regiment of New York reached the Capital and the blockade was broken. Concerning this regiment it maybe added that on April 15, the President's call for 75,000 men had been issued and two days later this "unrivalled body of citizen-soldiery " marched down Broadway on their way to Washington. On arriving at Philadelphia they learned of the attempt to prevent the passage of the Sixth Massachusetts through the City of Baltimore and accordingly chartered a steamer for Annapolis, from where they reconstructed the railroad track to Annapolis Junction and soon reached Washington, where the companies were quickly formed and the column marched " in correct Seventh regiment style up Pennsylvania Avenue to the President's mansion where they gave a march salute to the President."
[23]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
It must not be forgotten, however, that the muster in of the District volunteers was begun on April 10, in the enclosed space on the north side of the War Office, and thus it was that the first citizen troops called into the service of the United States to oppose secession were those of the District of Columbia.
From day to day regiments of volunteers came from the North and from the Northwest to Washington, until it was soon strong enough to resist the attack of any force its enemies could send against it.
Captain Thomas M. Woodruff, who was in Washington at that time, has described some of these regiments as follows :
I remember the First Rhode Island, under command of General Burnside, which was quartered at the Patent Office, and we soon found that it was largely composed of college stu- dents, who often came around to our house and sang their col- lege songs, and several times brought their regimental band to serenade the young ladies in the neighborhood. The Second Rhode Island, with a light battery attached, soon afterwards came, and Governor Sprague accompanied these for the pur- pose of commanding all the troops from his State. These regi- ments were well drilled, and had dress parades at the Patent Office. They wore the service blue, and two companies of the First regiment were armed with a breech-loading carbine. Later they were moved out to the northeastern limits of the city and encamped in a beautiful grove called Gales' s Woods, where their tents were put up on frames with wooden sides and doors. The Seventh New York [which was originally quartered at the Capitol] also had a beautiful camp out north of the cit}r at the old Stone estate on Columbia Heights, the mansion of which is now known as the home of the late illus- trious General John A. Logan, and still occupied by his widow. The Seventy-first New York (Light Infantry) was likewise a fine regiment, and uniformed much in the same style as the
[24]
THE MILITARY SITUATION
Seventh, in cadet gray. It is said that these two regiments and the First Rhode Island came back after their thirty days' serv- ice in great part as officers of other organizations. The Twelfth New York, under General Butterfield, arrived without any uniforms and looked very shabby with their equipments buckled over their varicolored citizens' clothes. They were put into camp in the central part of the city at Franklin Park. They shortly obtained the service uniform, and in a few weeks were called Butterfield' s Regulars ; their manual of arms was faultless, and they developed into one of the finest regiments in the city. Another handsome regiment was Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves (the Eleventh New York). They were quartered in the Capitol ; they marched and drilled well, but were restless and somewhat unruly. On the occasion of a fire in the Owen House, next to Willard's Hotel, they broke out and ran pell- mell to the fire, where they worked like salamanders, running in and out of the flames, bringing out all kinds of furniture and utensils. There were three regiments whose uniforms were particularly handsome and gay — the Thirty-ninth, Sixty- ninth, and Seventy-ninth New York. The first was the Gari- baldi Guards, uniformed as is the Italian light infantry or Bersagliari of the present time— a very dark greenish blue cloth, with a flat-brimmed round-top hat set off with cock's feathers. The Sixty-ninth was the Irish regiment, commanded by the gallant Corcoran, who was wounded at Bull Run. They have kept up their organization and wear the same uniform as then worn — coats rather conspicuously set off with crimson and green ; they carry a green flag with the harp of Erin embroidered thereon. The Seventh-ninth was the Highland regiment, commanded by Colonel Cameron, a brother of Simon Cameron, then Secretary of War, who was killed at Bull Run. They were very showy in their kilts, and were fairly drilled. I remember some regiments from Wisconsin and from Minnesota, the gallant historic First, two from Connecticut, and some from other New England States, that came about this time, fully armed and splendidly equipped, some of the latter bringing full regimental wagon trains. Many of these regiments wore
[25]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
a most serviceable gray uniform, which, however, was subse- quently put aside for the national blue. These organizations were composed of fine material — handsome, stalwart, intelligent men, who could turn their minds and hands to any occupation, and who a few weeks afterwards surrounded the city with a complete cordon of field fortifications.
It was these men, organized by Colonel Stone, under General Scott, who formed the army that General McDowell led to the first battle of Bull Run, and it is to be regretted that the story of that battle, forced upon the country by the clamor of those who stayed at home, cannot be included in this chapter.
It was also these same volunteer soldiers who became the nucleus of the famous Army of the Potomac, whose splendid deeds during the long campaigns that were then yet to come form the brightest page on the history of the greatest war of modern times. The bravery and heroism of these soldiers finds a fitting culmination in the " Grand Review," described elsewhere in this volume.
[26]
The Defenses of Washington""
By JOHN GROSS BARNARD Major General by brevet and Colonel, Corps of Engineers
HEN, after the disaster of Bull Run, it became apparent that the war was to be a struggle of long duration, the necessity of the thorough forti- fying of Washington ceased to be doubtful. The situation was in- deed such as to admit of no elaborate plans, scarcely of the adequate study of the ground necessary to a judi- cious location of a line so exten- sive. The first exigency was to fortify the position on the heights of Arlington, the most obvious manner of doing which was to connect Forts Corcoran and Albany by intermediate works, within musketry or canister range of each other, and thus form, with Fort Runyon, a chain or a "couronne," covering at the same time the bridges and the heights. The ground, furrowed by numerous ravines, proved sufficiently favorable, and the large lunettes, with stockaded gorges, Forts Craig, Tillinghast, Cass, Wood- bury, and De Kalb (subsequently called Fort Strong), were speedily laid out and begun. The location of these works, as
_'■':■ J G.BARNARD
* This article is taken from General Barnard's Report on the Defenses of Wash- ington, being No. 20 of the Professional Papers of the Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, Washington, 1871.
[29]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
also their design and construction, were principally due to Majors Woodbury and Alexander. Fort Corcoran being on a " step " or small plateau of inferior level to that of the heights, it was necessary to continue the line, by Fort De Kalb toward the river, along the higher level. As it requires many days to obtain, in regularly-profiled field forts, so much cover as will make them partially defensible, a temporary expedient for im- provising defense was found in making a wide "slashing" through the forest in advance of the line of these intended works, and a marginal slashing around its edge. Half-sunk batteries for field-guns were prepared between the sites of Forts De Kalb and Woodbury and near that of Fort Craig *. From the heights north of the Potomac, between Georgetown and the "distributing reservoir," which overlooked and com- manded the ground in advance of the defensive line, a formid- able flanking fire was obtained by the erection of "Battery Cameron " for two rifled 42-pounders.
The wooded ridge which lies north of and parallel to the lower course of Four- Mile Run, offered a favorable posi- tion from which the city, the Long Bridge, and the plateau in advance of it could be overlooked and cannonaded, and from which it was important to exclude the enemy so long as our defensive line was thus limited. Access to it was made difficult by felling the forest with which it was covered (about 200 acres) and the construction upon it of the large lunette (Fort Scott) was begun as soon as the site could be fixed. The subsequent extension of the line to embrace Alexandria threw this work and
* It is interesting here to remark that, with the experience our troops and engi- neers acquired two or three years later, this whole position would in 24 hours have been formidably intrenched by a continuous line of (so-called) rifle-pits, strengthened by " slashings," etc. But we had not then the men who could be trusted to hold such line.
[50]
THE DEFENSES
Fort Albany into the rear, but it retained, nevertheless, a con- siderable importance, since, taken in connection with Forts Richardson, Craig, and others, it completed a defensive line for Washington independent of the extension to Alexandria.
While these operations were going on General Richardson, whose division held position along the Columbia Turnpike, had occupied and pointed out the importance of an eminence in advance of Fort Albany commanding the plateau along which that road passes and flanking the Arlington lines. The small inclosed polygonal work, " Fort Richardson," was begun thereon about September i, 1861.
The defense of Alexandria and its connection with that of Washington was a subject of anxious study. The exigency demanding immediate measures, the first idea naturally was, availing ourselves of Fort Ellsworth as one point of the defen- sive system, to connect it with Fort Scott by intermediate works on Mount Ida and adjacent heights. A protracted study of the topography for several miles in advance showed that such a line would be indefensible. Not only would the works themselves be commanded by heights in advance, but the troops which should support them would be restricted to a narrow space, in which they would be overlooked and ha- rassed by the enemy's distant fire. The occupation, therefore, of the heights a mile in advance of Fort Ellsworth, upon which the Theological Seminary is situated, seemed absolutely neces- sary, and examination showed their topography to be favorable to a defensive line, as points of which the sites of Forts Worth and Ward were selected and the work begun about the first of September, and the line thence continued simultaneously by Fort Reynolds to connect with Forts Richardson and Craig. Somewhat later Fort Barnard, intermediate between Reynolds
[3*]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
and Richardson, and partially filling the gap, was begun. It commanded the valley of Four-Mile Run and flanked a deep tributary ravine lying across the approaches to Forts Reynolds and Ward.
The heights south of Hunting Creek, overlooking Alexan- dria and more elevated than Fort Ellsworth, were for some time a subject of anxiety. The fortification of the Seminary Heights, which commanded them, diminished materially the danger of their temporary seizure by the enemy. As soon, however (about the middle of September) as a sufficient force could be detached to occupy the position and protect the construction, the large fort, called Lyon, was begun, Major (Brevet Major General) Newton, then attached as an engineer officer to the staff of General Franklin, selecting the site and planning the work. This extensive field-work occupied a month or two in construction, during which time the position was made some- what more defensible by rifle- trenches across the plateau in advance.
While strengthening as rapidly as possible our most assaila- ble and, at first, exceedingly weak position on the south shore of the Potomac, it was, though perhaps less urgent, still neces- sary to provide some auxiliary defenses to the city itself against approaches along the northern shores. In the summer and autumn the Potomac is easily fordable at points not distant from Washington. The army which had been victorious at Manassas, and whose advance posts were soon visible at Mun- son's Hill, might, it was thought, improve the critical period which followed, ere our rapidly-arriving volunteer regiments could be organized into a formidable force, and while that which had fought that battle, disorganized by defeat, was dwindling away by expiration of three months' term of service,
[32]
THE DEFENSES
to cross the river and assail us, where the results of success, even if involving greater risks, would have been the most decisive.
To meet the emergency, works were necessarily thrown up without that deliberate study of the topography in which the establishment of such defensive line should, if practicable, be based. The first directions given to our labors were to secure the roads, not merely as the beaten highways of travel from the country to the city, but as, in general, occupying the best ground for an enemy's approach. Thus the site of Fort Penn- sylvania (subsequently called Fort Reno) was, early in August, selected on the heights of Tennallytown, commanding the three roads already described, which unite at that place. This posi- tion, strongly held and aided by Fort Gaines soon after located and begun, made it comparatively easy to exclude hostile ap- proach by the sector of country between the Potomac and Rock Creek. Fort Stevens commanding the Seventh Street road, and, in connection with it, Forts Totteu and Slocum, were almost simultaneously begun, as also Fort Lincoln, com- manding the Baltimore Turnpike and Baltimore Railroad. As speedily as possible thereafter the intervening works, Forts De Russy, Bunker Hill, Saratoga, Slemmer, and Thayer, were interpolated.
The fixing of the left of the line on the Potomac was less obvious. The topography indicated its continuance from Tennallytown along the brow of the heights overlooking the valley of Powder-Mill Run, at a point of which, indeed, Fort Gaines was actually being built. This would have brought the left near and behind the Chain Bridge. It was deemed indispensable not only that this bridge should be within our line, but so far within as to be protected from artil-
l33l
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
lery fire from hostile batteries. It was also imperative to protect the "receiving reservoir " of the Washington Aqueduct, upon which the city depended for most of its supply of water. Hence the final establishment of the left on the heights, close to the river, beyond the reservoir and valley of Powder- Mill Branch. It was deemed necessary to give the position, thus isolated, considerable strength, and the site being unfavorable to the rapid creation of a strong position by a single large work, three smaller ones were erected, which, a year later, were united into one, and called Fort Sumner.
The first idea as to defensive works beyond the Anacostia were to fortify the debouches from the bridges and the heights overlooking the Navy Yard. With that object Fort Stanton was begun early in September. A further examination of the remarkable ridge between the Anacostia and Oxen Run showed clearly that, to protect the Navy Yard and Arsenal from can- nonade, it was necessary to occupy an extent of six miles from Fort Greble to Fort Meigs. Forts Greble and Carroll were begun in the latter part of September and Fort Mahan near Bennings' Bridge, about the same time. The latter work commanded the road leading along the margin of Anacostia from Bladensburg and served as an advanced tete-de-pont to the bridge just named. Fort Meigs, occupying the extreme point of the ridge from which artillery fire might be brought to bear upon the Capitol or Navy Yard, was begun somewhat later in the season, as were also Forts Dupont, Davis, Baker, Wagner, Ricketts, and Snyder. These were all well advanced to completion before the close of the year. At an early date, defensive measures had been taken at the Chain Bridge, consisting of a barricade immediately over the first pier from the Virginia side, with a movable staircase, by which the defenders could retreat
[34]
THE DEFENSES
over the flat below, leaving the bridge open to the fire of two mountain howitzers, placed immediately at its Maryland end, of a battery on the bluff above (" Martin Scott ") of one 8-inch sea-coast howitzer and two 35-pounders. As even this last battery was commanded by heights on the Virginia side, it was deemed proper to erect another called Vermont at a higher point, which should command the Virginia heights, and at the same time sweep the approaches of the enemy along the Mary- land shore of the Potomac.
But the occupation of the Virginia shore at the Chain Bridge was essential to the future operations of our army in Virginia, to the prestige of our arms, and incidentally important to the defense of Washington. It was only delayed until our force was sufficient to authorize its accomplishment. General W. F. Smith's Division crossed the bridge on the night of Septem- ber 24, and Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy were immediately- begun and speedily finished.
Comprised in the foregoing categories there are twenty- three forts south of the Potomac, fourteen and three batteries between the Potomac and Anacostia and eleven forts beyond the Anacostia, making forty-eight forts in all. These works varied in size, from Forts Runyon, Lyon, and Marcy, of which the perimeters were 1,500, 939, and 736 yards, to Forts Ben- nett, Haggerty, and Saratoga, with perimeters of 146, 128, and 154 yards. The greater portion of them were enclosed works of earth, though many, as Forts Craig, Tillinghast, Scott, south of the Potomac, and Forts Saratoga and Gaines on the north, were lunettes, with stockaded gorges. The armament was mainly made up of 24 and 32 -pounders, on sea coast car- riages, with a limited proportion of 24-pounder siege guns, rifled Parrott guns, and guns on field carriages of light caliber.
[35]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIMK
Magazines were provided for 100 rounds of ammunition, and some few of the more important works (Forts Lyon, Worth, and Ward) had a considerable extent of bomb-proof cover, in which about one-third of the garrisons might comfortably sleep and nearly all take temporary shelter.
Such were the defenses of Washington at the beginning of the year 1862. But public opinion was at this period undergo- ing another fluctuation. The fortifications, lightly regarded before the Manassas campaign, were after that disaster eagerly demanded and their progressive advancement toward defensi- bility watched with anxiety. When, under General McClellan's high organizing abilities, a large, perfectly-appointed, and tol- erably well-disciplined army grew into existence, and when the brilliant success of Dupont at Port Royal, and of Thomas and Grant in the West, had encouraged the belief that a "sharp and decisive " campaign would terminate the war, they once more fell into disrepute. The act of Congress appropriating money for completing the defenses of Washington * pro- vided that no part of the sum should be applied to any work "hereafter to be commenced." From the description which has been given, it will be easily recognized that, whatever assistance the works then existing might be able to afford to an army defending Washington, they were far from constitut- ing, especially on the north of the Potomac, a thoroughly-forti- fied line. Nor could they, so loose were their connections, effectually repel raids. Detached earthworks, with wide inter-
* Be il enacted by the Seriate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dol- lars be, and the same is hereby, appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for completing the defenses of Washington : Provided, That all arrearages of debts incurred for the objects of this act shall be first paid out of this sum: And provided further. That no part of the sum hereby appropriated shall be expended in any work hereafter to be commenced.
[36]
THE DEFENSES
vals and no connecting lines or obstacles, could only constitute "points d'aftpzii" for an army giving battle to an invader — not a fortified place which a garrison could defend against greatly superior force. Such as they were, however, there can be no doubt of their important influence in protecting Washington, and in saving us from further calamities, after the failure of General McClellan's campaign against Richmond, and the retreat of General Pope upon Washington.
The peril in which the Capital was placed in the months of August and September, 1862, by the events just alluded to, revealed the inadequacy of existing defenses and demonstrated the necessity of further development. The writer, who at this period had been assigned to the command of the place, and with it had resumed the engineering charge, was, under such circumstances, far more vividly impressed with the deficiencies and defects of the existing defenses than he could be when a few months earlier he had relinquished the charge of a work which had been regarded by Congress as already carried further than necessary. Notwithstanding the recent legislation, the most energetic means were taken to increase the strength of the line, whether by the construction of new works or by the enlargement and improvement of old ones. Many of the latter, occupying sites of which the commanding character had prompted an early and hastily-executed occupation, were entirely too small. Such were Fort Stevens, Fort Slocum, Fort Ward. At other localities the proper occupation of the site required more or less extensive auxiliary constructions. Such were the sites of Forts Lyon, Sumner, Reno, Lincoln, Meigs, and others. Numerous gaps existed requiring the interpolation of new works. Ravines or depressions of surface, unseen from the works, intersected the line at various points or
[37]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
lay along its front, to control which numerous auxiliary bat- teries were necessary. Finally it was evident that, even with all such improvements, the defenses would yet remain only a system of " points a" 'appui " to a line of battle, unless they were connected by works which would cover the troops occupying the intermediate ground and offer some obstacle to the pass- age of the enemy. Besides the foregoing demands for new construction or further development, there was a necessity for repairing and even rebuilding much of the interior structure of the original works, and for providing nearly all of them with so much bomb-proof shelter as would protect their garrisons against a concentrated fire of artillery. Finally, a great change in the character and arrangement of the armament was urgently needed. The demand for field-guns for our armies had stripped our arsenals of them and compelled the substitution in these forts of large numbers of 24 and 32-pounders on barbette car- riages. Such guns made a very improper armament. Not only were they too heavy and unmanageable, but so exposed that at close quarters they would be nearly unserviceable. To replace most of these as rapidly as possible by light guns on field or carriages placed in embrasure, was deemed imperative, in doing which another expedient to enhance the efficiency of the artillery fire suggested itself. Along the extended belt of country on which the line was located were numerous points, either in the works themselves or within the lines, which over- looked the external approaches, and from which a flanking fire from heavy rifled guns to an extent of three or four miles could be obtained. Battery Cameron, near Georgetown, had already been built to answer such a purpose in relation to the Arling- ton lines. It was now proposed to mount rifled 100-pounders at intervals of two or three miles for the same object. An
[38]
THE DEFENSES
enemy attacking or approaching any part of the lines would not only have to contend with the artillery before him (which he might, indeed, hope to silence), but would be taken in flank by a distant fire of heavy projectiles, with which his own artil- lery could not contend.
Another object, quite independent of the original purposes of the defenses, suggested itself at this period as important, namely, the better defense of the river against naval approach, by the construction of water batteries.
The above-projected developments would, if carried out, involve an amount of labor and expenditure far exceeding what had originally been bestowed upon the works and they would necessarily require considerable time. With the sanction of the Secretary of War, the late E. M. Stanton, who gave the most cordial and unqualified support to the efforts of the engineers, everything that it was practicable to undertake was begun at once, the Secretary assuming the responsibility of applying thereto moneys available for general purposes of the kind. It was obvious, however, that the expenditure would continue indefinitely and ultimately amount to a very large sum. In face of the recent formal prohibition of Congress to begin new works, it seemed desirable, in order to justify the Secretary in applying means at his command, or in calling upon Congress for further appropriations, that some other sanction than the irresponsible will of the chief engineer of the defenses should be obtained, not only for the course taken, but also for the judiciousness of the plans proposed for its execution. A commission consisting of Brevet Brigadier General J. G. Totten, Chief Engineer, United States Army ; Brigadier General M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster General, United States Army, formerly of the United States Engineers ; Brigadier
[39]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
General W. F. Barry, chief of artillery; Brigadier General J. G. Barnard, chief engineer Defenses of Washington ; Brigadier General G. W. Cullum, United States Engineers, chief of staff to the General-in-Chief, was appointed by the Secretary of War October 25, 1862, " to examine and report upon a plan of the present forts and sufficiency of the present system of defenses for the city." The commission devoted two months to the study and personal examination of the system. As no more authoritative exposition can be given, I shall quote from their report at some length :
The system of works constituting what are called the defenses of Washington may be divided into four groups :
First. Those south of the Potomac, commencing with Fort Lyon below Alexandria, and terminating with Fort De Kalb opposite Georgetown.
Second. Those of the Chain Bridge.
Third. Those north of the Potomac, between that river and the Anacostia, commencing with Fort Sumner and termi- nating with Fort Lincoln.
Fourth. Those south of the Eastern Branch, commencing with Fort Mahan, and terminating with Fort Greble, nearly opposite Alexandria.
The perimeter thus occupied, not counting the interval from Fort Greble to Fort Lyon, is about 33 miles, or, including that, 37 miles.
In the first group are 23 field forts. In the second group two forts (Ethan Allen and Marcy ) and three batteries for field guns. In the third are 18 forts, 4 batteries, permanently armed with heavy guns, besides about 14 batteries for field guns, some of which are of heavy profile, with stockaded gorges and magazines. In the fourth group are eleven forts, besides the armed battery connected with Fort Carroll. There are therefore, in the whole system, as it now exists (December, 1862,) 53 forts and 22 batteries.
[40]
THE DISPENSES
The total armament actually mounted in the different works, at the date of this report, is 643 guns and 75 mortars.
The total infantry garrisons required for their defense, computed at 2 men per yard of front perimeter, and 1 man per yard of rear perimeter, is about 25,000.
The total number of artillerymen required (to furnish three reliefs for each gun) is about 9,000. It is seldom necessary to keep the infantry supports attached to the works.
The artillerymen, whose training requires much time, hav- ing learned the disposition of the armament, and computed the distances of the ground over which attacks may be looked for, and the ranges and service of their guns, should not be changed ; they should remain permanently in the forts.
The 25,000 infantry should be encamped in such positions as may be most convenient to enable them, in case of alarm, to garrison the several works ; and a force of 3,000 cavalry should be available for outpost duty, to give notice of the approach of an enemy.
Whenever an enemy is within striking distance of the Capital, able by a rapid march to attempt a coup- de-main , which might result in the temporary occupation of the city, the dispersion of the Government, and the destruction of the archives, all of which could be accomplished by a single day's possession, a covering army of not less than 25,000 men should be held in position, ready to march to meet the attacking column.
Against more serious attacks from the main body of the enemy, the Capital must depend upon the concentration of its entire armies in Virginia or Maryland. They should precede or follow any movement of the enemy seriously threatening the Capital.
The various operations recommended by the commission, sanctioned by the Secretary of War, were prosecuted with great vigor during the early part of the year 1863. The new works recommended were entirely completed during that }^ear, and
[4i]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
ready indeed to render efficient service by the time the season of active field operations commenced. That on the spur behind Forts Cass and Woodbury — Fort Whipple — and that at the Red House, Fort C. F. Smith, became the most perfect and beautiful specimens of what may be called " semi-permanent " field works. So also was Fort Foote, designed as a water bat- tery in conjunction with Battery Rodgers.
The operations of 1864 (during the latter half of the year) under charge of L,ieutenant-Colonel B. S. Alexander, whose aid during their whole progress had been of great value to the chief engineer, were confined mainly to the repairing, strength- ening, and perfecting existing works. An exception to the above statement is to be found in the beginning of a large fort, styled Fort McPherson (but never completed), behind Fort Craig, to fill the gap in the second line, between Forts Whipple and Albany, and of three small works over the Anacostia, between Forts Mahan and Meigs.
Thus, from a few isolated works covering bridges or com- manding a few especially important points, was developed a connected system of fortification bv which every prominent point, at intervals of 800 to 1,000 yards, was occupied by an inclosed field-fort, every important approach or depression of ground, unseen from the forts, swept by a battery for field-guns and the whole connected by rifle- trenches which were in fact lines of infantry parapet, furnishing emplacement for two ranks of men and affording covered communication along the line, while roads were opened wherever necessary, so that troops and artillery could be moved rapidly from one point of the immense periphery to another, or under cover, from point to point along the line.
[42]
THE DEFENSES
The woods which prevailed along many parts of the line were cleared for a mile or two in front of the works the counter- scarps of which were surrounded by abattis. Bomb-proofs were provided in nearly all the forts ; all guns not solely intended for distant fire, placed in embrasure and well traversed ; secure and well-ventilated magazines ample to contain ioo rounds per gun, constructed ; the original crude structures, built after designs given in text-books for " field fortifications," replaced by others, on plans experience developed, or which the increased powers of modern artillery made necessary. All commanding points on which an enemy would be likely to concentrate artillery to overpower that of one or more of our forts or batteries were subjected not only to the fires, direct and cross, of many points along the line, but also from heavy rifled guns from distant points unattainable by the enemy's field- guns. With all these developments the lines certainly approx- imated to the maximum degree of strength which can be attained from unrevetted earth-works. When in July, 1864, Early appeared before Washington, all the artillery regiments which had constituted the garrisons of the works and who were experienced in the use of the artillery, had been withdrawn and their places mainly filled by a few regiments of " one hundred days men," just mustered into the service. The advantage, under these circumstances, of established lines of infantry par- apet, and prepared emplacements for field guns, can hardly be overestimated. Bodies of hastily organized men, such as teamsters, quartermaster's men, citizen volunteers, etc., sent out to the lines, could hardly go amiss. Under other circum- stances it would have been almost impossible speedily to have got them into any proper position and to have kept them in it. With equal facility the movable batteries of field-guns found,
[43]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
without a moment's delay, their appropriate places where, covered by the enemy's fire, they occupied the very best posi- tions which the topography afforded.
At the termination of the war in April, 1865, the •' defenses of Washington" consisted of 68 inclosed forts and batteries having an aggregate perimeter of 22,800 yards (13 miles) and emplacements for 1,120 guns, 807 of which and 98 mortars were actually mounted ; of 93 unarmed batteries for field-guns having 401 emplacements; and of 35,711 yards (20 miles) of rifle trenches, and 3 block houses. Thirty-two miles of military roads, besides the existing roads of the District and the avenues of Washington, served as the means of communication from the interior to the defensive lines, and from point to point thereof. The entire circuit, including the distance across the Potomac from Fort Greble to Fort Lyon (four miles), was thirty-seven miles.
[44]
The Part taken by the Naval Forces in the Defense of Washington during the Civil War
By RICHARD WAINWRIGHT
Commander U. S. Navy and Superintendent Naval Academy
HE first order issued to the Naval Forces for the protec- tion of Washington was dated January 5, 1861, signed by Isaac Toucey, Secretary of the Navy, and addressed to Colonel John Hariis, Com- mandant, Marine Corps, di- recting that a force of Marines be sent to Fort sEOHETAKr welles Washington, down the Poto-
mac, for the protection of public property. Forty men, com- manded by Captain A. S. Taylor, U. S. Marine Corps, were sent in obedience to this order.
Under pressure from Commander J. A. Dahlgren, Commo- dore Franklin Buchanan, Commandant of the Washington Yard, on February i, issued an order for the defense of the yard and prescribing the necessary organization and points for assembling. On April 22, Commodore Buchanan resigned and soon after joined the Confederate Navy. Commander Dahl- gren now became commandant and all available means for defense were put in shape.
[47]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
On April 19, the Pawnee, Commander Rowan, arrived off the Washington Arsenal and on the following day the packet Anacostia was armed and sent, under the command of Lieu- tenant Fillebrown, down the Potomac to Kettle Bottom Shoals, to prevent obstructions being placed in the river. The Mount Vernon having been seized by the army at Alexandria, was armed for service. The Steamer Pocahontas, Commander J. P. Gillis, arrived from New York and was ordered to cruise down the river as far as the "White House." A number of other small river steamers and tugs were armed at this time. They were employed in patrolling the river, in preserving and placing the aids to navigation, and overhauling all boats on the river for arms, etc. Among these armed boats were the Powhatan, Lieutenant Sproston commanding; the Philadelphia, Lieutenant G. N. Morris and afterwards Lieutenant W. N. Jeffers, com- manding ; the Robert Leslie, Lieutenant J. H. Russell, com- manding ; and the Baltimore, Lieutenant W. C. West, commanding.
Early in May Commander J. H. Ward was assigned to the charge of the Potomac flotilla. He had suggested the idea to the Secretary of the Navy and brought several light draft boats from New York to form a part of the flotilla.
The first Confederate battery on the Potomac was discovered at Aquia Creek on May 14 by Lieutenant Sproston, and was afterwards reported by several of the patrolling boats.
On May 24, all the steamers, lighters, and boats at the Navy Yard were used to convey the New York Regiment of Zouaves (Ellsworth's Fire Zouaves) from Giesboro Point to Alexandria. It was immediately after this landing that Colonel Ellsworth was murdered.
[48]
PART TAKEN BY THE NAVAL FORCES
On May 31, Commander Ward with the Thomas Freedom, the Anacostia, and the Resolute, of the Potomac Flotilla, attacked the batteries at Aquia Creek. On the following day, the bombardment was attempted, the ships being reinforced by the Pawnee, Commander Rowan. On the 26th, the bombard- ment ended without injury to either side. The shore batteries were silenced only to break out again, on the cessation of firing from the vessels permitting the men to leave their protection.
On June 23, Commander Ward applied for the aid of about two hundred soldiers to assist him in the attack upon some Confederate troops at Mathias Point. These troops could not be spared, and on June 27 with the aid of boat's crew from the Pawnee, commanded by Lieutenant Chaplin, he landed the men from the Freeborn and attacked the Confederate troops at Mathias Point, with the aid of the guns of the Freeborn. The landing party was repulsed, and Captain Ward was killed while sighting the bow gun of his own vessel. Commander T. T. Craven was then ordered to command the Potomac Flotilla.
In the latter part of July, Lieutenant Parker, with one hundred and ten seamen and forty marines, was sent to Fort Ellsworth beyond Alexandria. They laid the platforms, and mounted a naval battery of three 9-inch guns and five howit- zers. This was a joint occupancy with the Army, Fort Ells- worth being at the time the fort nearest the Confederate lines, Fort Munson being their opposing fort. Lieutenant Parker was afterwards relieved, and Commander R. Wainwright was sent in command of a detachment of three hundred seamen and four officers to man this Fort. Afterwards a guard of thirty marines was added to the force, and manned a small water battery erected near the Fort. The entire force was with- drawn in November.
[49]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Commander Charles Wilkes was ordered to command the Potomac Flotilla in August, 1862. He was succeeded in September of the same year by Commodore Andrew A. Har- wood, who was relieved in December, 1863, by Commander Foxhall A. Parker. After November, 1861, the work of the Navy in the defense of Washington was confined to patrolling the Potomac River. On several occasions, on the request of the General in command of the Army of the Potomac, the Commander of the flotilla was specially cautioned to prevent the passage of the Potomac River by the Confederate Army. They gradually obtained possession of the boats on the river. At times they were attacked by the Confederates from command- ing positions on shore, but there were no other engagements on the river of sufficient importance to be noted.
L 50 1
Early's March to Washington
By THOMAS McCURDY VINCENT Brigadier General, by brevet, U. S. Army
FTER the battle of New Market, May 15, 1864, Major General Hunter assumed command of the Department of West Vir- ginia, at Cedar Creek, May 21 ; and the Lynchburg expedition, through the Army of the Shen- andoah, assumed prominence. Hunter started with about 8,500 men of all arms, and after unit- ing with Crook and Averill his force was about 18,000. During the advance of the Army of the Shenandoah it was successful in several actions, and on June 14, 1864, Secretary Stanton telegraphed to General Hunter :
This Department has received, with great satisfaction, your special dispatch (June 8) announcing the recent brilliant victory won by your army, and their occupation (June 6) of the city of Staunton. These brilliant achievements wipe out the antece- dent disasters to our army in former campaigns in the Shenan- doah Valley, and induce strong hope that, led on by the courage and guided by the experienced skill of its commander, the Army of the Shenandoah will rival other gallant armies in the successful blows against the rebels. For yourself and the brave officers and soldiers of your command the thanks of the President and of this Department are tendered.
GESEHAL XI. C. MEIGS
[53]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIMK
Unfortunately the great satisfaction, as thus announced, was followed by the heavy gloom connected with subsequent import- ant operations.
Lieutenant-General Jubal A. Early's forces of the Confeder- ate Army of Northern Virginia moved from Gaines' Mill to Lynchburg, to defend that place from Hunter's meditated attack ; to strike Hunter's force in the rear, and, if possible, to destroy it ; then to move down the Shenandoah Valley, and to cross the Potomac at Leesburg, or at, or above, Harper's Ferry, as might be found most practicable. Early has said : " General Lee did not expect me to be able to enter Wash- ington. His orders were merely to threaten the city ; and, when I suggested to him the idea of capturing it he said it would be impossible." As to this movement General Early, in a telegram dated June 16, 1864, sent to General Breckenridge at Lynchburg said : ' ' My first object is to destroy Hunter, and the next it is not prudent to trust to telegraph. Hold on and you will be amply supported." Hunter failed in his attempt on Lynchburg, and, owing to want of ammunition, retired from before the place and fell back into West Virginia. He was pursued by Early's force for three days — about 60 miles — until Hunter reached the mountains, en route by way of Salem and Lewisburg. He left Charlestown, Kanawha, July 3, and reached Parkersburg July 4, by water. June 22 the pursuit ceased, as Early did not deem it proper to continue it. Sheridan, during his Trevilian Station cavalry raid, was to have united, by way of Charlottesville, with Hunter at Lynch- burg, and their combined forces were to have destroyed Lee's communications and depots, and then to have joined Grant before Richmond. After the severe battle at Trevilian Station, Sheridan learned, from prisoners, that Hunter instead of com-
[54]
EARLY S MARCH
ing to Charlottesville was near Lexington, moving upon Lynch- burg ; that Early's corps was on its way to Lynchburg ; and that Breckenridge was at Gordonsville. Therefore, he con- eluded to return to the Array of the Potomac. Hunter's move- ments had rendered it impracticable for Sheridan to execute his orders in the presence of the cavalry forces of Hampton and Fitz Lee. In communicating with one of Hunter's subor- dinates as to this movement, Stanton said : " General Sheridan, who was sent by General Grant to open communication with General Hunter by way of Charlottesville, has just returned to York River without effecting his object. It is therefore very probable that General Hunter will be compelled to fall back into West Virginia."
Early, after his pursuit of Hunter had ceased, became sub- ject to the orders of General Lee directing him, " after dispos- ing of Hunter," to return to Lee's army, or to carry out the original plan of an expedition across the Potomac. Early deter- mined to take the responsibility of the latter. He marched to Buchanan, June 23, reached Staunton in advance of his troops on the 26th, his troops arriving on the 27th, and on the 28th resumed the march, after detaching portions of his corps to destroy the railroad bridge over the south branch of the Poto- mac, and all the bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad between the south branch and Martinsburg. On July 2 he was in Winchester, and there received orders " to destroy the Balti- more and Ohio road and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, as far as possible." On July 3 the Union forces evacuated Martins- burg, skirmished with and fought the enemy <?« route, and dur- ing the night retreated across the Potomac, at Shepherdstown, to Maryland Heights. During the night of July 4 the Union forces evacuated Harper's Ferry, burning the Potomac railroad
[55]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
and pontoon bridges. It was not until the 5th that General Grant was positive that Early was not in front of Richmond ! On July 5 and 6, Early's troops crossed the Potomac at Shepherdstown, a detachment advancing towards Maryland Heights, when the Union forces there took position in the works. Early has said : "My desire had been to manoeuvre the enemy out of Maryland Heights, so as to move directly to Washington ; but he had taken refuge in his strongly fortified works, and I therefore determined to move through the gaps of South Mountain, north of the Heights." At an early hour on the morning of July 8, the entire force moved ; a part through Crampton's Gap ; another through Fox's Gap ; and a third through Boonsboro' Gap with the trains and rear-guard which had started the night before from Harper's Ferry, after burning the trestle railroad works. Early had been informed by General Lee that an effort would be made to release the prisoners of war at Point Lookout ; and he was directed to take steps to unite them with his command. Early has said : >;< * * "On the 9th, Johnson with his brigade of cavalry and horse artillery, moved to the North of Frederick, with orders to strike the railroads from Baltimore to Harrisburg and Philadelphia, burn the bridges over the Gunpowder, also to cut the railroad between Washington and Baltimore, and threaten the latter place ; and then, if we should succeed in getting into Washington, to move towards Point Lookout for the purpose of releasing the prisoners." The other troops moved towards Monocacy Junction. The battle of the Monocacy was fought on the 9th, and on the 10th the victo- rious Confederate army moved at daylight, and bivouacked that afternoon at and near Rockville. Thence, at daylight on the nth, the movement was resumed ; and Early rode ahead,
[56]
EARLY S MARCH
on the Seventh Street pike, arriving in sight of Fort Stevens a short time after noon. Thereupon he ordered his advance divi- sion to form line as rapidly as possible, throw out skirmishers, and move into the works, if it could be done ; but, before the division could be brought up, a column of Union troops entered the works, skirmishers were thrown out in front, and an artillery fire opened upon the Confederate force. The attempted surprise was thus defeated, and it became necessary for Ear)y to reconnoiter, which consumed the remainder of the day, with the result that he determined to make an assault upon the works at daylight the morning of the 12th. That morning "as soon as it was light enough to see," Early " rode to the front and found the parapet lined with troops." After that discovery we have his own words : " I had, there- fore, reluctantly, to give up all hopes of capturing Washing- ton after I had arrived in sight of the dome of the Capitol and given the Federal authorities a terrible fright." The Sixth Corps had arrived the evening of the nth ; and Major General Alexander McD. McCook, in command of the northern line of defense, " deemed it absolutely necessary that the immediate front should be picketed by experienced men." Accordingly, he directed Major General Horatio G. Wright " to furnish a force 900 strong of this (his) Veteran Corps for picket dut}' during the night, constant skirmishing being kept up between the lines until after dark on the nth." Troops from that corps, also, at 6 p. M. on the 12th, made the successful assault upon the two important points held b}r the enemy ; and the Sixth Corps was selected because McCook, as said by him, believed that its veterans could do the work better, and with less loss of life, than any other troops under his command.
" Inadequately manned as the fortifications (of Washington) were, they compelled, at least, concentration on the part of the
[57 1
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
assailants, and thus gave time for the arrival of succor." The Third Division of the Sixth Corps, which had been detached by- way of Baltimore, contributed, mainly, to the delay of Early's forces at the Monocacy, and that delay proved important in connection with the timely arrival of the other two Sixth Corps Divisions, under the command of Wright. At the battle of the Monocacy, July 9, the Third Division of the Sixth Corps, under Major General James B. Ricketts, fought, practically, as an out-post force, in aid of the First and Second Divisions of that Corps, at the time on the way to Washington. Therefore it is pertinent that the part performed by the Third Division should be noted for it had much to do connected with the march of Early.
Major General L,ewis Wallace, who commanded at the battle of the Monocacy, and fought from 9 A. m. to 5 p. m., tele- graphed, July 9, to General Halleck :
* * * I am retreating a foot-sore, battered, and half demoralized column. * * * You will have to. use every exertion to save Baltimore and Washington. * * * I think that the troops of the Sixth Corps fought magnificently. I was totally overwhelmed by a force from the direction of Harper's Ferry arriving during the battle. Two fresh regi- ments of the Sixth Corps are covering my retreat. I shall try to get to Baltimore.
Wallace reported more fully from Ellicott's Mills, on July 10, to General Halleck, in part as follows :
* * * The column of cavalry and artillery of the enemy worked rapidly around to my left and crossed the river in face of my guard and charged confidently upon General Ricketts' Third Division, Sixth Army Corps. The General changed front and repulsed them, and charged in turn and drove them gallantly. The enemy then advanced a second line. This the General
[58]
EARLY S MARCH
repulsed and drove. Meantime the enemy placed at least two batteries in position, so that when he made his final charge with four lines of infantry, about 3.30 P. M., the resistance of Ricketts' Division was under an enfilading fire of shell really terrific. The moment I saw the third rebel line advance I ordered the General to make such preparation as he could and retire his command by a country road up the river to the Balti- more pike. This was accomplished with an extraordinary steadiness. The men of the Third Division were not whipped, but retired reluctantly under my orders. They bore the brunt of the battle with a coolness and steadiness which, I venture to say, has not been exceeded in any battle during the war. Too much credit cannot be given General Ricketts for his skill and courage. * * * Each one of his ( the enemy ) four lines of attack presented a front greater than that of General Ricketts' division all deployed. * * *
I had three objects in view : first, to keep open, if possible, the communication with Harper's Ferry ; second, to cover the roads to Washington and Baltimore ; the last, to make the enemy develop his force. * * *
The men of the Sixth Corps reached this place (Ellicott's Mills) in perfect order, and covered the retreat.
On July 10, Major General Wright, from the headquarters of the Sixth Army Corps — then at Fort Stevens with the First and Second Divisions — in transmitting a copy of the report from General Wallace presenting the part taken by Ricketts' Third Division at the Monocacy, said : " The terms in which General Wallace commends the conduct of General Ricketts' Division is no more than I expected, but is so complimentary that I take pleasure in bringing it to the notice of the Military Authorities."
In August, 1864, General Wallace made his report in full of the operations of his command in the vicinity of Frederick, Maryland, which resulted in the battle of Monocacy, Jul}' 9 :
[59]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
aud to that report he appended his informal report, July 10, from Ellicott's Mills. On July 5, from information that he had received, he viewed that the probable objectives of Early's forces were reduced to Washington, Baltimore, and Maryland Heights ; and, as to that situation, he has said :
* * * With an enemy north of the Potomac, and approaching from the west, having in view any or all the objectives mentioned, the importance of the position on which I ultimately gave battle cannot be overestimated. There, within the space of two miles, converge the pikes to Wash- ington and Baltimore, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad ; there also is the iron bridge over the Monocacy, upon which depends communication to Harper's Ferry. Moreover, as a defensive position for an army seeking to cover the cities above mentioned from the direction I was threatened, the point is very strong ; the river covers its entire front. In the low stage of wrater the fords are few, and particularly difficult for artillery, and the commanding heights are all on the eastern banks, while the ground on the opposite side is level and almost with- out obstruction.
After General Wallace had, actively and carefully, matured his plans and determined the place for battle, he telegraphed to General Halleck, July 8 : "I shall withdraw immediately from Frederick City and put myself in position to cover road to Washington if necessary ; " and, in the morning of July 9, he made disposition for battle. The right, forming an extended line, from the railroad, was given to General E. B. Tyler. His troops — scant 2,500 of all arms — were, with the exception of one regiment and part of another of the Potomac Home Brigade and a Maryland battery, " 100 days men." On the left, likely to be the main point of attack, General Ricketts was directed to form his command — 3.350 men — in two lines across the Washington pike, so as to hold the rising ground south of it,
[60]
EARLY'S MARCH
and the wooden bridge across the river ; and still further to the left was placed Clendenin's Squadron of Cavalry, to watch that flank and guard, by detachments, the lower fords. Rick- etts and Tyler each received three guns, and later Ricketts was given two additional.
It is not necessary to recite the details of the battle, so fully and candidly given in the reports of General Wallace, but his following words may well be quoted :
* * * It would be a difficult task to say too much in praise of the veterans who made this fight. For their reputation and for the truth's sake, I wish it distinctly understood that though the appearance of the enemy's fourth line of battle made their ultimate defeat certain, they were not whipped; on the con- trary, they were fighting steadily in unbroken front when I ordered their retirement, all the shame of which, if shame there was, is mine, not theirs. The nine regiments (First and Second Brigades, Third Division, Sixth Corps) enumerated as those participating in the action represented but 3,500 men, of whom over 1,600 were missing three days after, killed, wounded, or prisoners — lost on the field. The fact speaks for itself. ' ' Monoc- acy " on their flags cannot be a word of dishonor. * * * As to General Ricketts, attention is respectfully called to the men- tion made of him in the (previous report). Every word of it is as deserved as it was bravely earned. * * *
It is also certain, as one of the results, that notwithstand- ing the disparity of forces the enemy was not able to move from the battle-field in prosecution of his march upon Washington until the next day about noon. * * *
General Grant has said :
I had previously ordered General Meade to send a division to Baltimore for the purpose of adding to the defenses of Washing- ton, and he sent Ricketts' Division of the Sixth Corps (Wright's), which arrived in Baltimore on the 8th of July. Finding that Wallace had gone to the front with his command, Ricketts im-
[61]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
mediately took the cars and followed him to the Monocacy with his entire division. They met the enemy, and, as might have been expected, were defeated ; but they succeeded in stopping him for the day on which the battle took place. The next morning Early started on his march to the Capital of the nation, arriving before it on the nth.*
Learning of the gravity of the situation, I had directed Gen- eral Meade to also order Wright, with the rest of his corps, directly to Washington for the relief of that place, and the latter reached there the very day that Early arrived before it.
The act of February 24, 1864, established "the will of the President as the authority for raising troops"; and, March 14, a call was made for 200,000, and April 23, for 85,000, num- bers that indicate an energetic struggle for the Union, and in July, we had in service about 900,000 in the aggregate. Not- withstanding that vast force, Washington was not prepared for defense by the 31,000 aggregate present July 10, composed mainly of invalids, military hospital guards, recruits under instruction, and provisional forces. The Department of Wash- ington had been stripped of veterans, sent to aid important operations elsewhere ; and the 944 heavy guns in the forts were without skilled men to fire them. Consequently, it is not astounding that in late June and early July, consternation reigned supreme. Aside from the impaired finances of the Government and the fear of foreign intervention, the tentacula of Early's army had broken railroads and destroyed much property ; Washington and Baltimore were filled with fugi- tives ; two passenger trains on the rail, between Philadelphia and Baltimore, had been upset and destroyed by the enemy —
* In connection with Early's march, reference may be had to his report, July 14, 1864, from I,eesburg, Va., and the transmittal, July 19, by General Robert E. I<ee, commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, to the Confederate War Department, pages 346-7-8-9, Vol. 37, Part 1, Records of the Union and Confederate Armies.
[62]
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Major General William B. Franklin captured in one of them ; the forces in the Department of West Virginia were paralyzed ; troops from Pennsylvania and New York were hard to obtain, and important movements of the Army of the Potomac had been delayed. Moreover, in Kentucky, conditions were assum- ing a troubled appearance ; external raids and internal troubles in other States promised a warm summer's work ; a treason- able and forged proclamation, in the name of President Lincoln, calling for 400,000 men, and appointing May 26 as a day of fasting and prayer had, through deception and fraud, been imposed upon prominent journals, and by them published, to the injury of the Union cause ; Cincinnati and Camp Chase were thought of as probable objectives for a raid ; the Navy was applied to for gun-boats to patrol the river between Louis- ville and Wheeling, thus to protect Ohio ; Indian troubles existed in the West, tending in one instance to international complications ; and organizations were reported, throughout the Western States, having for an object the destruction of Government property and to burn the vast Government depots at St. Louis and Indianapolis. In June, while the aggregate of the Union forces, present and absent, was very large, the aggregate present was only 683,058 !
Under such adverse conditions, the President, in almost utter despair, telegraphed July 10, 2.30 p. m., to General Grant as follows : * * * " General Halleck says we have absolutely no force here fit to take the field. * * * Wallace, with some odds and ends and part of what came up with Ricketts, was so badly beaten yesterday at Monocacy that what is left can attempt no more than to defend Baltimore. * * * What we shall get in from Pennsylvania and New York will be scarcely worth count- ing, I fear. * * * Now, what I think is that you should pro-
L'63]
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vide to retain your hold where you are, certainly, and bring the rest with you, personally, and make a vigorous effort to destroy the enemy's force in this vicinity." * * * That date 10.30 p. m. Grant replied that he had sent the Sixth Corps, com- manded by an excellent officer, besides over 3,000 other troops and one division of the Nineteenth Corps. He added : " Before more troops can be sent from here, Hunter will be able to join Wright in the rear of the enemy, with at least 10,000 men, besides a force sufficient to hold Maryland Heights." * * * Here it is well to note that Hunter was forced to remain at Cumberland until July 14, " pressing forward his troops who continued to arrive slowly from the West" — that date he left Cumberland, reached Martinsburg (occupied by Sullivan's Union Cavalry on the 10th) and arrived at Harper's Ferry, on horseback, the same night. The morning of the 14th, Early had crossed the Potomac at White's Ford, and continued his retreat.
When Early's Army reached the gates of Washington, and its able commander, from his position at Fort Stevens, gazed upon the dome of the Capitol, it is evident that could he have unfurled the Confederate colors from that dome, " it would have been the signal of ' recognition ' by those foreign powers whose open influence and active agency was likely to be too willingly thrown, with whatever plausible pretext, into the scale of dismemberment, to become decisive of the event." The enemy was at Fort Stevens, with good chances of occupying Washington, dispersing the United States Government, and destroying the archives — all of which could have been com- pleted by a single day's possession.
Lincoln's presence at Fort Stevens proved a grand inspira- tion to the troops defending the Capital. The army recognized
[64]
EARLY S MARCH
him as the foremost of the men who who were "alive to the great questions of the hour, and watching the development of minds and of events." With his military service in the Black Hawk War, as a basis, his subsequent study, particularly from 1861 to 1865, developed him " into a great military man, that is to say a man of supreme military judgment." We have the evidence of this through the pointed questions and memoranda propounded by him, and submitted to his generals, during the Civil War.
When the Sixth Corps arrived, the President's anxiety was so heavy that he went to the Seventh Street wharf to welcome the troops and to inspire them to move, with haste, to Fort Stevens ; and at that fort his fearlessness, characteristic of his entire life, led him to expose himself to the bullets of the enemy until he was forced to occupy a safe position behind the para- pet. That marked bravery, of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, gave magnificent encouragement to the forces defending the fort !
The Sixth Corps, under the distinguished Wright, saved Washington ! Halleck telegraphed to Grant on July 13 :
The enemy fell back during the night. * * * From the most reliable estimates we can get of the enemy's force, it numbers 22,000 to 25,000, exclusive of cavalry. They state that a part of Hill's Corps is coming to reinforce them, and, that, without them, they would have captured Washington, if the Sixth Corps had not arrived.
The historic battlefield of Fort Stevens should, for all time, stand well to the front in the memory of the people, as a sacred place of inspiration. Fort Stevens should be perpetuated in granite — at least the place where Lincoln stood — and be the base for figures in bronze, of Lincoln and Wright !
[65]
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So intense was the gloom preceding the battle of Fort Stevens, that, July 7, the President promulgated, as expressive of the sense of the Congress of the United States, the follow- ing self-explanatory Proclamation :
By the President op the United States : A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas, the Senate and House of Representatives at their last session adopted a concurrent resolution, which was approved on the second day of July instant, and which was in the words following, namely :
That the President of the United States be requested to appoint a day for humiliation and prayer by the people of the United States ; that he request his constitutional advisers at the head of the Executive Departments to unite with him as Chief Magistrate of the Nation, at the city of Washington, and the members of Congress, and all magistrates, all civil, military, and naval officers, all soldiers, sailors, and marines, with all loyal and law-abiding people, to convene at their usual places of worship, or wherever they may be, to confess and repent of their manifold sins ; to implore the compassion and forgiveness of the Almighty, that, if consistent with His will, the existing rebellion may be speedily suppressed, and the supremacy of the Constitution and laws of the United States may be estab- lished throughout all the States ; to implore Him, as the Supreme Ruler of the world, not to destroy us as a people, nor suffer us to be destroyed by the hostility or connivance of other nations, or by obstinate adhesion to our own counsels which may be in conflict with His eternal purposes, and to implore Him to enlighten the mind of the Nation to know and to do His will, humbly believing that it is in accordance with His will that our place should be maintained as a united people among the family of nations ; to implore Him to grant to our armed defenders and the masses of the people that courage, power of resistance, and endurance necessary to secure that result ; to implore Him and His infinite goodness to soften the hearts, enlighten the minds, and quicken the consciences of those in rebellion that they may lay down their arms and speedily return to their allegiance to the United States, that they may not be utterly destroyed, that the effusion of blood may be stayed, and that unity and fraternity may be restored, and peace established throughout our borders.
[66]
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Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, cordially concurring with the Congress of the United States in the penitential and pious sentiments expressed in the aforesaid resolution, and heartily approving of the devotional design and purpose thereof, do hereby appoint the first Thursday of August next to be observed by the people of the United States as a day of national humiliation and prayer.
I do hereby further invite and request the heads of the Executive Departments of this Government, together with all legislators, all judges and magistrates, and all other persons exercising authority in the land, whether civil, military, or naval, and all soldiers, seamen, and marines in the National service, and all the other loyal and law-abiding people of the United States, to assemble in their preferred places of public worship on that day, and there and then to render to the Almighty and Merciful Ruler of the universe such homages and such confessions, and to offer to Him such supplications as the Congress of the United States have in their aforesaid resolution so solemnly, so earnestly, and so reverently recom- mended.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington this seventh day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty- four, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty- ninth.
(L. S.) Abraham Lincoln.
By the President : William H. Seward,
Secretary of State.
The supplications of the people, offered to the Supreme Ruler of the world : That the Civil War might be suppressed and the supremacy of the Constitution and laws of the United States might be established throughout all the States ; that we might not be destroyed as a people, among the family of nations ; and that the effusion of blood might be stayed, and unity and fraternity restored throughout our borders, were answered.
[67]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Within nine months the channel of peace was opened at Appomattox, on April 9, 1865, by the illustrious chieftains Grant and Iyee ; and the example of their armies was soon followed by the other contending forces. "The raging war that had divided the country had lulled, and private grief was hushed by the grandeur of the result."
The stupendous struggle from 1861 to 1865 involved, from first to last, Union and Confederate forces numbering 3,700,000 and witnessed the wealth of the country scattered like sand, and the blood of the country lavished like water. Further contributions were not longer to be made to distorted features, ghastly ruins, and "the hidden anguish in the harvests of horror breathing from the silent ground." The blood of the land was to course anew — to mark the activities of life ; and, as a reward, the now inseparably united North and South are harvesting the unbounded blessings of peace, with unsurpassed prosperity and greatness.
Let us have peace !
L6S]
Fort Stevens, Where Lincoln Was Under Fire.
BY WILLIAM VAN ZANDT COX Author of the Defenses of Washington
HREE times during the Civil War Washington was in grave peril and three times it was saved to the Union.
The first was at the beginning of hostilities when the militia of the District of Columbia came to the rescue of the small body of marines and artillery, before the arrival in the Capital of the troops from Penn- sylvania, Massachusetts, New York, and other Northern States. The second was immediately after the battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861), whenit could have been captured by the Confederates had they not been more demoral- ized by victory than the Federals by defeat. The third was in July, 1864, when General Early made his campaign against Washington.
The important battle at Monocacy, Maryland, on July 9, 1864, was the first day's fight to save the Nation's Capital, and Gen- eral Early's army was victorious. So unexpected and so rapid were the Confederate general's movements that he was in sight of the dome of the Capitol before his cleverly conceived plans were fully realized. When the roar of Early's guns was
GEN\ HORATIO G. WKIGHT
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heard and the telegraph announced that he had defeated L,ew Wallace at Monocacy Bridge, the heart of the North quivered with emotion as it contemplated the defenselessness of Wash- ington, stripped of men and guns for the campaign against Richmond.
This daring campaign against Washington and its skillful execution caused a rude awakening in the North, impatiently waiting for Grant to take Richmond. Both Washington and Baltimore were in a state of panic, while gold went up to the highest point. The capture of Washington meant diplo- matic complications of a most serious nature, with foreign powers awaiting only for a plausible pretext for dismember- ment. Never was a prize more tempting to the Confederates. Never was there a time when more was at stake for the Union.
"Wallace defeated at Monocacy after a stubborn fight," were the words contained in the message received at the War Department, but that stubborn fight was as valuable as a victory for the Union, for a day's time had been gained, so necessary for the safety of the Capital.
During those exciting days there was one calm man, and he was none other than President Lincoln. He was then living at the Soldiers' Home, a mile and a quarter from Fort Stevens, and in addition to his herculean duties he daily visited the camps, forts, and hospitals. He seemed devoid of fear and his chief concern was at that time the capture of Early's army. His telegram to Governor Swann of Maryland is characteristic : " Let us be vigilant but keep cool."
General C. C. Augur was in command of the Department of Washington. General Alexander McD. McCook had charge of the northern line of troops and fortifications. The latter was ordered to establish a camp on Piney Branch creek, but the
[72]
FORT STEVENS, WHERE LINCOLN WAS UNDER FIRE
-news from the front was so disquieting that he proceeded to Fort Stevens, five miles north of Pennsylvania Avenue on the Seventh Street pike, and took command of a line he had never before seen.
Every man was utilized for defense. The hospitals were drawn on for convalescents, the Quartermaster's Department for employees, the National Guard of Ohio, the District of Columbia militia, the Veteran Reserves, and the few unas- signed regular detachments and unmounted cavalry, sailors, firemen, and citizens were in the trenches and on picket line.
When General Grant realized the gravity of the situation, and that Hunter could render no assistance, he first thought of returning from Petersburg to Washington to take command in person. On reflection, however, he decided to send the Sixth Corps, commanded by General Horatio G. Wright.
The Twenty-fifth New York Cavalry which left City Point, Virginia, on July 7, seems to have been the first regiment to reach Washington from the James and went into camp about midnight of July 10, near Fort Stevens. On the same day the First and Second Divisions of the Sixth Corps left City Point for Washington. A few hours later, General W. H. Emory, with a part of the Nineteenth Corps, just returning from New Orleans to join Grant, left Fortress Monroe for Washington without disembarking from their ocean transports.
What a picture ! Early with his fighting legions advancing on the Capital from the North, while fleets bearing the veterans of the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps were on their way from the James River and the Gulf of Mexico to save the Capital they loved so well. North and South looked on with bated breath and wondered which, in this race of armies, would reach Washington first.
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WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
On the morning of July n, General Barly left his camp near Rockville, McCausland taking the Georgetown pike ; the infantry preceded and flanked by cavalry taking the Seventh Street pike. Major Frye, of Lowell's cavalry, met the enerc^'s cavalry skirmishers a short distance beyond the picket line near the old Stone Tavern before noon and forced them back on their reserves. He, in turn, was driven back by the enemy, who fired a few shots from a battery of light artillery.
About ii o'clock, the signal officer, at Fort Reno, observed clouds of dust and army wagons moving up the Seventh Street pike. About the same time a message from Captain Berry, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, said that the enemy with artillery, cavalry, and infantry was moving in the direction of Silver Spring. General McCook ordered the picket line to contest the ground and to retire slowly on approach of the enemy until within range of the guns of Forts Stevens, Slocum, and DeRussy.*
Shortly after noon, riding in advance with Rodes, whose division, consisting of Given 's and Cox's North Carolinians, Crook's Georgians, and Battle's Alabamians, in the van, Gen- eral Early came, as he says, in full view of Fort Stevens, and found it feebly maimed, as had been reported to him. Smith, of Imbodens' Cavalry, according to Early, drove a small body of Union cavalry before him into the works.
No time could be lost, and he ordered the tired and dusty veterans to move forward ; but before his order could be executed, to his everlasting regret, he saw trained and discip-
* William E. Leach, Co. K, One Hundred and Fiftieth Ohio, was the first man wounded on picket duty and died shortly afterwards. See War of the Rebellion, Sec. i, Vol. 37, p. 245.
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FORT STEVENS, WHERE LINCOLN WAS UNDER FIRE
lined troops move out of the works, deploy, and form a skirm- ish line.
Undismayed and undaunted, the tireless Early and his brave men continued to advance, but with greater caution than before. It was too late ! The hopes and ambitions of only an hour ago could never be realized. Washington was saved to the Union ! The Sixth Corps had arrived ! Never was there a more opportune movement, never was there a more welcome arrival. Down the historic James, up the historic Potomac, came the Sixth Corps. Mr. Lincoln met them at the Seventh Street Wharf and well they cheered him ! With what alacrity both officers and men marched to reinforce the brave defenders on the firing line ! Dr. George Stevens, the historian of the Sixth Army Corps, says :
We marched up Seventh Street, meeting on our way many old friends, and hearing people who crowded on the sidewalks, exclaiming, "It is the old Sixth Corps " — "These men are the men who took Mayre's Heights " — " The danger is over now." Washington, an hour before, was in a panic ; but as the people saw the veterans wearing the badge of the Greek cross march- ing through their streets, the excitement subsided and confi- dence prevailed.
Thus we made our way to the north of the city, the sound of cannonading in our front stimulating and hastening the steps of the men.
Families with a few of their choicest articles of household furniture loaded into wagons, were hastening to the city, reporting that their houses were burned, or that they had made their escape, leaving the greater part of their goods to the mercy of the Rebel. General Frank Wheaton in his report says :
While on the march to Fort Stevens, was passed by Gen- eral Wright, and received his verbal instructions to mass near
[75]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Crystal Spring in the neighborhood of Fort Stevens, where we arrived at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.*
At 5 p. m., the force outside of Fort Stevens, consisting of portions of the Veteran Reserve Corps, War Department clerks, and citizen volunteers, was driven in toward the fort by a portion of the enemy's forces under Early. At the same time I was ordered to move 500 men of my brigade out to recover the line held in the afternoon. This was successfully accom- plished before 7 o'clock by the Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, Col. J. F. Bailler ; the One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, Major Thomas Mc- Laughlin; and the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Captain James McGregor, which deployed as skirmishers and drove the enemy's advance back to their main lines. The position was strengthened at dark by the Ninety- third Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, Lieutenant- Colonel J. S. Long, and the Sixty-second New York Veteran Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel T. B. Hamilton, and extended from a point opposite the center of the line between Forts Stevens" and Reno to the west and a point opposite Fort Slocum on the east, a distance of about two miles. Skirmishing continued through the night.
In vain all the afternoon of July 1 1 Early tried to find a weak spot in the lines, but he was met everywhere by the fire of fort guns and musketry. The works he reported exceed- ingly strong, consisting of what appeared to be inclosed forts for heavy artillery, with a tier of lower works in front of each, pierced for an immense number of guns, the whole being con- nected by curtains, with ditches in front and strengthened by palisades and abattis. The timber had been felled within can- non range all around and left on the ground, making a formid- able obstacle, and every possible approach was raked by artil-
*At4 P m., General Wright wired General Augur from Fort Stevens : The head of my column has nearly reached the front.
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FORT STEVENS, WHERE EINCOEN WAS INUEK PIRE
lery. On the right was Rock Creek, running through a deep ravine, which had been rendered impassable by the felling of timber on each side, and beyond were the works on the George- town pike, which had been reported to be the strongest of all. On the left as far as the eye could reach the works appeared to be of the same impregnable character.
Early then held a consultation with his generals, Breckin- ridge, Rodes, Ramseur, and Gordon, pointing out the necessity of action before the fords and mountain passes were closed against them, and in concluding, he announced his purpose of making an assault at daylight. When on examining the works on the morning of July 12, General Early saw the para- pets lined with troops,* he says that he then determined to abandon the idea of capturing Washington.
A distinguished writer who was at Brightwood during the battle says :
July 12 came bright and glorious. The first brigade of our Second Division and our sharpshooters were on the picket in front of Fort Stevens, from the parapet of which could be seen the lines of Rebel skirmishers, from whose rifles the white puffs of smoke rose as they discharged their pieces at our pick- ets. The valley beyond presented a scene of surpassing love- liness, with the rich green meadows, its fields of waving corn, its orchards and its groves.
The principal force of the enemy seemed to be in front of Fort Stevens ; there it was determined to give them battle.
About 5 o'clock in the afternoon General Wright ordered General Wheaton to drive back the Confederate skirmish line and occupy the wooded points near the road, which, being so near our intrenchments, gave the enemy advantage of position ;
* It is said that General Meigs instructed his quartermaster's soldiers to make themselves as conspicuous as possible on the parapets.
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thereupon, Colonel Bidwell was instructed to have the Third Brigade move outside of the fort and form, under cover of a ravine and woods (southeast of Battle Ground Cemetery) in two lines directly in the rear of the First Brigade, on the skirmish line. Colonel Bidwell was also directed to select three of his best regiments to assist in the assault, the remaining portion of the brigade to be held to support the general movement.
According to General Wheaton : The Seventh Maine, the Forty-third New York, and Forty-ninth New York were skillfully placed in position near the skirmish line under the direction of Colonel Bidwell without the enemy discovering the movement.
A preconcerted signal was made by a staff officer, from Fort Stevens, when these regiments were in position, at which time the batteries from Forts Stevens and Slocum opened fire upon certain points, strongly held by the enemy. The assault- ing regiments then dashed forward, surprising and hotly engaging the enemy, who was found to be much stronger than supposed. It became necessary to deploy immediately the three remaining regiments — the Seventy-seventh New York, the Twenty-second New York, and the Sixty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers — Bidwell' s Brigade, on the right of those he had already in the action, and the picket reserve of 150 men from the One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and a detachment of 80 men from the Vermont Brigade to support the skirmish line immediately on the right and left of the pike. The enemy's stubborn resistance showed that a farther advance than already made would require more troops, and two regi- ments were sent for. Before their arrival, however (the Thirty- seventh Massachusetts Volunteers and Second Rhode Island), an aide-de-camp from General Wright directed me not to attempt more than holding the position gained, as the object of the attack had been accomplished and the important points captured and held.
This whole attack was as gallant as it was successful, and the troops never evinced more energy or determination. The
[7SJ
FORT STEVENS, WHERE LINCOLN WAS UNDER FIRE
losses were very severe, the brave Colonel Bidwell losing many of his most valuable regimental commanders. The last shot was fired about 10 o'clock and the remainder of the night was occupied in strengthening the position, burying the dead, car- ing for the wounded, and relieving the skirmish line which had been two days in front constantly under fire — by troops of the Second Vermont Brigade.
Dr. Stevens describes the attack in these words :
The heavy ordnance in the fort sent volley after volley of thirty-two pound shells howling over the heads of our men into the midst of the Rebels, and through the [Carberry] house where so many of them had found shelter, and then at the command of "Sedgwick's Man of Iron," the brave fellows started eagerly forward. They reached and passed the skir- mishers, and the white puffs of smoke and the sharp cracks of their rifles became more and more frequent ; first the rattle of an active skirmish and then the continuous roar of a musketry battle.
In magnificent order and with light steps they ran forward up the ascent, through the orchard, through the little grove on the right, over the fence rail, up to the road making straight for the objective point, the frame house ' Carberry ' in front. The Rebels at first stood their ground, then gave way before the impetuous charge, and though forced to seek safety in flight, turned and poured their volleys into the ranks of the pur- suers. Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, commanding the Forty- ninth New York, a brave man, who had never shrunk from danger, and who had shared all the various fortunes of the Brigade since its organization, fell mortally wounded. Colonel Visscher of the Forty-third New York, who had but lately suc- ceeded the beloved Wilson, was killed. Major James P. Jones, commanding the Seventh Maine, was also among the slain ; and Major Crosby, commanding the Sixty-first Pennsylvania, who had just recovered from a bad wound which he had received in the Wilderness, was taken to the hospital, where
[79]
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the surgeon removed his left arm from the shoulder. Colonel W. B. French, of the Seventy-seventh New York, was injured. The commanding officer of every regiment in the Brigade was either killed or wounded.
The fight had lasted but a few minutes, when the stream of bleeding, mangled ones began to come to the rear. Men leaning upon the shoulders of comrades, or borne painfully on stretch- ers, the pallor of their countenances rendered more ghastly by the thick dust which settled upon them, were brought into the hospitals by scores, where the medical officers, ever active in administering relief to their companions, were hard at work binding up wounds, administering stimulants, coffee, and food, or resorting to the hard necessity of amputation.
At the summit of the ascent, the Confederates were strengthened by their second line of battle, and here they made a stout resistance ; but even this position they were forced to abandon in haste ; and as darkness closed in upon the scene our men were left as victors in possession of the ground, lately occupied by the Rebels, having driven their adversaries more than a mile.
The Vermont Brigade now came to the relief of the boys who had so gallantly won the field, and the Third Brigade returned at midnight to the bivouac it had left in the morning. But not all returned. Many of those brave men who went with such alacrity into the battle had fallen to rise no more, in the orchard, in the road, about the frame house, and upon the summit where the Rebels had made so determined a resistance, their forms were stretched upon the green sward and upon the dusty road, stiff and cold. Many more had come to the hos- pital severely injured, maimed for life, or mortally wounded.
The little brigade, numbering only a thousand men when it went into action, had lost two hundred and fifty of its number. We gathered our dead comrades from the field where they had fallen and gave them the rude burial of the soldier on the common near Fort Stevens. No officer of state, no lady of wealth, no citizen of Washington was there but we laid them
[So]
FORT STEVENS, WHERE LINCOLN WAS UNDER LIKE
in their graves within sight of the Capitol, without coffins, with only their gory garments and their blankets around them. With the rude tenderness of soldiers, we covered them in the earth, and marked their names with our pencils on the little headboards of pine, and turned sadly away to other scenes.
On an eminence near the Confederate advance was John C. Breckinridge, the candidate receiving the votes of the seceding States for President, expecting to enter the Capital with the Army of Northern Virginia.
On the parapet of Fort Stevens, by the side of General Wright, amid the whizzing bullets, stood the successful candi- date in that great political struggle, Abraham Lincoln, watch- ing with that " grave and pensive countenance," the progress of the battle.
A few years ago, in company with the old commander of the Sixth Corps, I stood upon that same parapet. After con- templating the surroundings, General Wright said :
Here on the top of this parapet between this old embrasure and that, is the place where President Lincoln stood witness- ing the fight ; there, by his side, a surgeon was wounded bj- a minie ball.
I entreated the President not to expose his life to the bullets of the enemy ; but he seemed oblivious to his surround- ings ; finally, when I found that my entreaties failed to make any impression on him, I said, " Mr. President, I know you are commander of the armies of the United States, but I am in command here, and as you are not safe where you are stand- ing, I order you to come down." Mr. Lincoln looked at me and smiled, and then, more in consideration of my earnestness than from inclination, stepped down and took position behind the parapet. Even then he would persist in standing up and exposing his tall form.
[3i]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
That old parapet, identified by General Horatio G. Wright, stands to-day, and for history's sake should be preserved in memory of Lincoln as a tribute to the bravery of the American soldier— a united North and South.
[82
< A
The Death of President Lincoln*
By THOMAS McCURDY VINCENT Brigadier General, by brevet, U. S. Army
HE sad memories of the night of April 14 and 15, 1865, have prevented me from entering, this building, f until this evening. Now, in the pres- ence of this honorable Asso- ciation, I find the scene greatly changed. The dread- ful gloom has disappeared, for may it not be said, that this commemorative meeting is more in connection with the life of a great man than the occasion of his death. He who had consummated a new birth of freedom for the Nation, was himself born to a new life. A melodious birth song is better suited than a death song in connection with this anniversary of the night when a great Luminary of History, with its eternal effulgence, was trans- ferred to a superior realm.
I had opportunities to study Abraham Lincoln. He fre- quently visited my office, in the old War Department building, in order to gain information relative to the armies of the
GEiYEHAL T. M. VINCENT
* From an address by General Vincent before the Memorial Association of the Dis- trict of Columbia, delivered Saturday, April 14, 1S94, in commemoration of President Lincoln's death in the house in which he died, 516 Tenth Street. N. W.
t The objects and officers of this Association are given on page 93.
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Union. He would appear there, unattended, at an hour least subject to interruption, and seating himself, secure the informa- tion he desired. Then, if all things promised well, in a cheerful manner he would converse brightly. On these occasions I found his great kind heart, marked by sad earnestness, going out to all the armies, through his words of sympathy for the troops during their battles and marches — not alone to the armies as a whole, but to individuals as well.
I now hold in my hand an illustration of his tender and sympathetic feelings in individual cases.
A wayward son, through his dismissal from the army, had brought deep grief to his father who appealed for -clemency. The case was fully considered with an adverse result, when the father presented himself to the President in the hope of a rever- sal of the decision. The President could not take favorable action, nor had he the heart to turn the father away by a final negative reply. Accordingly he sent me the following note :
I have promised the bearer * * * an interview with Major Vincent. Will Major Vincent please see and hear him. May 28, 1863. A. Lincoln.
I explained the case fully to the father , who then, in sub- stance said : "I now know the attentive consideration of Mr. Lincoln in the midst of all his heavy cares. I have his kind and considerate final refusal through these papers. He could not have done otherwise ; may God bless him."
But above his interest in the armies and his knowledge of them, his inspiration, as Commander-in-Chief, was present on every field, to organize victory. Through his efforts battles were made successful, and distinction was made to crown
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generals and others. His labors, by day and by night, gave luster to the vast armies, which from first to last numbered 2,700,000 men, entrusted to his command by his devoted countrymen. Subsequent to February, 1864, an Act of Con- gress made his will the authority for raising troops, a delicate and mighty power, under which the volunteer forces were soon increased to 1,034,000, the largest number in service at any one time. During his four years of supreme command, the earth shook with the tramp of armies ; events crowded rapidly ; lurid flame of battle arose, — a period, as has been truly said, "of subversion and revolution, when each hour brought a new responsibility " to the great Commander-in-Chief.
My interviews with him impressed me with the sublime sim- plicity of his character, and the marked dignity of a noble manhood. Often have I associated with him the words : " Whose life was work, whose language rife, with rugged maxims hewn from life ; who never spoke against a foe."
His boyhood's ascent in life began in the humble cabin, as he "climbed at night to his bed of leaves in the loft, by a ladder of wooden pegs driven into the logs." In later years his ascent was onward and upward, by the ladder of fame, gaining at each round, the esteem and honor of his countrymen.
It could not have been otherwise, when we consider his eminent endowment with the gifts and virtues of charity, humility, meekness, patience, diligence, wisdom, prudence, justice, and fortitude.
He added to his studies amid the rugged wilds of nature. "The Declaration of Independence was his compendium of political wisdom, the life of Washington his constant stud}'." And thus endowed, and schooled, "His scepter was as the
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bow of Ulysses, which could not be drawn by a weaker hand. He stood alone like a beacon upon a waste, or a rock in the broad ocean."
He who said, in old Independence Hall, that he had never had " a feeling, politically, that did not spring from sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence, which gave liberty not alone to the people of this country, but to the world in all future time," and, that if the country could not be saved without giving up that principle, " he would rather be assassi- nated on the spot than surrender it ;" he who traveled in the dead of night prior to his inauguration, to escape assassination, was cut down by a demoniac.
But while the assassin's hand removed the mortal portion of Lincoln from this life, it could not and did not touch the beacon light, which has continued its eternal radiation as a guide for all peoples, in all ages.
On April 14, 1865, I had returned from the War Department to my house at about ten o'clock at night, and very soon there- after was informed by a cousin of Mrs. Lincoln — Dr. Lyman Beecher Todd, of Lexington, Kentucky — that the President had been assassinated, and the members of his cabinet attacked. I at once hurried to the house of the Secretary of War, and there found the family greatly alarmed and excited ; but the Secretary, just prior to my arrival, had started for Mr. Seward's residence. I followed, and there learned that he had gone to the scene of the tragedy on Tenth street ; on reaching the locality I found him in this house to which the President had been removed from Ford's Theatre. I remained here near the Secretary, and at his request, during the night. He was greatly saddened and referred to the change of scene from that of the cabinet meeting, a few hours before, at which General Grant
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THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN
was present, when the state of the country and the prospect of a speedy peace were discussed. He stated that the President during the meeting was hopeful and very cheerful, and had spoken kindly of General Lee and other officers of the Confed- eracy. Particularly had his kindly feelings gone out to the enlisted men of the Confederacy, and during the entire session of the cabinet his manner and words manifested emphatically a desire to restore a satisfactory peace to the South, through all due regard for her vanquished citizens. Yet, whilst he was buoyant, on that Good Friday, in his advocacy of " Peace on earth to men of good will," he seemed depressed at times, and had referred to his dream of the previous night, which had recurred several times on the eve of some important event — " a vague sense of floating — floating away, on some vast and indistinct expanse, toward an unknown shore."
These are his immortal words near the end of the conflict : " L,et us finish the work we are in, to bind up the Nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and orphans ; to do all, which may achieve and cherish, a just and lasting peace, among ourselves and with all nations." So beautiful his marvelously balanced humanity, so broad his firmly based charity.
About 1.30 o'clock in the morning it was full}' apparent that the President was then dying from his mortal wound, and that it was not probable that he would live through the night. The Secretary then informed me that it would be necessary to stand prepared to communicate the President's death to the Vice-President, and, soon thereafter, handed me the rough notes of the formal notification from which I wrote out a fair copy, and held it until after the President's death ; which was
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officially announced at 7.55 on the morning of April 15, by a telegram from the Secretary of Major General Dix, as follows :
Abraham Lincoln died this morning at twenty-two minutes after 7 o'clock.
The notification to the Vice-President was duly signed and communicated, as recited in a subsequent telegram, as follows:
Official notice of the death of the late President, Abraham Lincoln, was given b}^ the Heads of Departments this morning to Andrew Johnson, Vice-President, upon whom the Constitu- tion devolved the office of President. Mr. Johnson, upon receiving this notice, appeared before the Honorable Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice of the United States, and assumed its duties and functions.
The inanimate objects in this building cause persons to rise vividly before me.
That bed, whereon the illustrious one breathed his last ; that sofa, which supported the dazed and grief-stricken widow ; that table, at which the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the District took evidence as to the assassin's work, and another, whereon the War Minister penned dispatches to convey to the nation information respecting the condition of the dying President ; and that table, on which was prepared the notification to the Vice-President that the man " who had clung fast to the hand of the people and moved calmly through the gloom of war and strife " had passed away.
Anguish sat on every countenance, and under its weight the footfalls of historic men, in passing through these rooms, were muffled, and all voices lowered to whispers. Marked silence was without this building, although vast, densely congregated crowds, with suffering hearts, filled the streets centering here. Thus was evidenced the profound venera-
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THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN
tion, and sadness of feeling, which went out to the departing President.
The death-bed scenes were harrowing in the extreme. Sur- rounding and near the illustrious one, who was insensible from the first, in consequence of his mortal wound, from which his life's blood was oozing, were the sobbing, grief-stricken wife, accompanied by her young son ; the fervent minister ; the watch- ful surgeon ; all the members of the cabinet save Mr. Seward, and others in civil and military circles. As the sure approach of death was noticed, the deep sad gloom increased, and, at the solemn moment, it seemed that it had extended to Heaven to be from there promulgated back to Earth, through the agency of deep sable clouds. The attendant drops of rain seemed to have been sent to mingle, sorrowfully, with the tears of the Nation.
And, when the skill of surgeons and all other earthly means had been exhausted, and the never-failing claim of death had been asserted, all was hushed in God's great presence, while to Him was offered the sympathetic minister's final prayer. ' ' The automatic moaning which had continued during the night had ceased ; a look of unspeakable peace rested upon the dead President's worn features."
" Tenderly heroic the life had been all through;" and he who had loved his country so well — he " whose deeds cast a luster around his head, to testify the greatness that has em- bodied itself in his name" — was, at the final instant, sealed for preservation, in that repository of abundance — the love of his countrymen.
Soon after 8 o'clock the devoted War Minister had ordered all to be arranged for the removal of the body to the Executive Mansion, and then left me as his representative until after the
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transfer should take place. It was about this time that, after pressing and smoothing the eyes of the dead President, I placed coins on them to close them for a last long slumber.
The Congress of the United States, with most affectionate form and state, commemorated Lincoln's birth on its anniver- sary day, February 12, 1866. In closing my remarks, I may well quote George Bancroft's fitting words on that occasion :
Where in the history of nations had a chief magistrate possessed more sources of consolation and joy than Lincoln? His countrymen had shown their love by choosing him to a second term of service. The raging war that had divided the country had lulled and private grief was hushed by the gran- deur of the result. The nation had its new birth of freedom, soon to be secure forever by an amendment to the Constitution. His persistent gentleness had conquered for him a kindlier feel- ing on the part of the South. His scoffers among the grandees of Europe began to do him honor. The laboring classes every-' where saw in his advancement their own. All peoples sent him their benedictions. And at this moment of the height of fame, to which his humility and modesty added charms, he fell by the hand of an assassin ; and the only triumph awarded him was the march to the grave. * * *
Not in vain has Lincoln lived, for he has helped to make this Republic an example of Justice, with no caste but the caste of humanity. * * * The heroes who led our armies and ships into battle and fell in the service, * * * did not die in vain ; they and the myriads of nameless martyrs, and he, the chief martyr, gave up their lives willingly " that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Monuments of marble and granite have been erected to his memory ; "but he needs no chiseled stone, no storied urn, no marble bust, to perpetuate his fame."
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THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN THE MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE DISTRICT, MARCH l8, 1892.
This Association has been organized for the threefold purpose —
1. Of preserving the most noteworlhy houses at the Capital that have been made historic by the residence of the nation's greatest men.
2. Of suitably marking, by tablets or otherwise, the houses and places throughout the city of chief interest to our own residents and to the multitudes of Americans and foreigners who annually visit the Capital.
3. Of thus cultivating that historic spirit and that reverence for the memories of the founders and leaders of the Republic upon which an intelligent and abiding patriotism so largely depends.
Officers of the Association.
Melville W. Fuller, President. Myron M. Parker, Secretary.
Teunis S. Hamlin, Vice-President. James E. Fitch, Treasurer.
Members of the Association,
appointed by the president of the united states, the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house.
Melville W. Fuller. J. C. Bancroft Davis. Myron M. Parker.
John M. Schofield. Walter S. Cox. Gardiner G. Hubbard.
John W. Foster. S. H. Kauffmann. W. D. Davidge.
B. H. Warder. A. R. Spofford. S. R. Franklin.
S. P. Langley. John Hay.' Charles C Glover.
A. B. Hagner. J. W. Douglass. Teunis S. Hamlin.
And we especial^ wish to purchase the house on Tenth Street in which President Lincoln died. It is the only building at the Capital distinctly associated with him. We wish to restore it to the condition in which it then was, both externally and inter- nally ; to gather in it such mementoes of Mr. Lincoln as can be procured, and to make it a perpetual shrine of patriotic pilgrimage for the millions that venerate his memory.
The title to this and to any other historic houses or places preserved by the labors of the Association will, by our charter, vest in the United States, and remain under the control and management of the Association at the pleasure of the Congress.
Washington, D. C,
1st May, 1893.
In accordance with an Act of Congress passed on June it, 1896, there was appropri- ated for the " purchase of the house on Tenth Street, Northwest, between E and F Streets, in the City of Washington, where Abraham Lincoln died, thirty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary ; for repairs of said building, after purchase, one thousand dollars ; in all, thirty-one thousand dollars." In consequence of this Act, this historical residence became the property of the United States. In
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this house there are now more thau two hundred portraits of Lincoln, and thousands of portraits and pictures illustrating events pertaining to his career.
On March 3, 1899, there was a further appropriation made " for repairing the house in which Abraham Lincoln died, being the property of the United .States, three thousand eight hundred and thirty-three dollars and fifty cents, the same to be expended under the direction of the Chief of Engineers."
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.•■--'-'
L 94
i
The Grand Review
by john Mcelroy
Senior Vice Commander, Grand Army of the Republic
HIS strifeful old world has seen many imposing military pageants since first the sword began to devour, by way of saying the last word in dispute. But never, not even
In the glory that was Greece, And the grandeur that was Rome,
not even when Napoleon marched his eagle-bearing legions back to Paris from the wreck of empires and the destruction of dynasties, did the hours keep pace with the march of so mighty a torrent of warlike power as swept in unbroken tide along Pennsylvania Avenue for two wide-arching May days of 1865. In numbers it was bewildering ; in history, startling ; in character, overwhelming.
Its banners showed the scars of two thousand battlefields, many of them the bloodiest in history, and were consecrated by the lives of half a million young men who had fallen around them since first unfurled. A mightier army than Napoleon led to the mastery of Europe had perished in carry- ing forward those banners to victory. Each one of the myriads of bronzed young veterans who strode up the avenue
GENEHAL H. W. HAI/LKOIt
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in the pride of trained and perfected soldiership, represented an average of nearly half a score of youthful companions who had started in with him, but who were now sleeping in shallow graves, lingering on beds of pain, or scattered back to their homes as wreckage drifting from the vortex of the ' ' far flung battle line."
Four years of incessant battling with a foe of finest mettle had also burned out all the dross and the weaklings, and moulded and tempered that marching host into incomparably the finest military weapon ever forged to execute a nation's will.
It was led by men whose names will forever shine in our history as types of the highest soldiership, joined to the purest patriotism.
The first day, the Army of the Potomac, in a dense column which filled the wide avenue from curb to curb, marched by from early morn until late at night. No better demonstration of the marvelous efficiency which had been attained in its four years' schooling in war can be given than that 80,000 men should be able to pass in perfect military order by a given point in a single day. This would be impossible in the best drilled legions of Europe to-day. And with that army, what recent and vivid memories marched ? Of the months of bloody welter on the Peninsula. Of the battle surges over the oft- reddened plains of Manassas. Of that awful September day, on the banks of the Antietam, which closed with 12,000 Boys in Blue lying dead or wounded. Of that still more bitter December day at Fredericksburg, when American valor reached its supreme exaltation, and 13,000 fell in an assault fore-doomed as hopeless. Of that wasted opportunity at Chancellorsville, which cost 16,000 men and the sanguine hopes
[93]
THE GRAND REVIEW
of the close of the war. Of the momentous three days at Gettysburg, which finally turned back the tide of audacious rebellion, at the price of 5,000 Union dead, and 12,000 wounded. Of those thirty days of mortal wrestling between the Union and Confederate armies from the Rapidan to the James, which cost the Union army 45,000 men, and filled every house- hold in the South with mourning. Of the months of anxious, persistent, inflexible siege of Petersburg. Of that most magnificently thrilling of all man-hunts in history, the blood- hound rush of Grant's whole army after Lee's, for a hundred miles, over Virginia's brakes and bournes until the end came at Appomattox.
For four long years the people had been walking daily with the grand, grim, unconquerable Army of the Potomac through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, with only infrequent ascents to the mountain peaks of Victory, but now it was fresh from the complete overthrow of its mighty antagonist. These were the men who had been through all this, the sur- vivors of the host which had accomplished it all, bearing the flags around which they had unfalteringly gathered, no matter how disasters thickened.
At the head of this Mississippi of warlike force rode its Commander, George Gordon Meade — tall, grim, spectacled, his broad shoulders bent as if by the weight of the burden he had carried from Gettysburg to Appomattox.
Sheridan, the whirlwind of battle, was missing from the glorious Cavalry Corps, which he had wakened to its strength, and fashioned in the forge of war into the mightiest mounted force that ever drew saber. He had been rushed off to the Rio Grande, to throttle an exotic Empire planted in Mexico by Napoleon III, who counted us too little worth. Sheridan was
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well-spared, however, for awhile later the imported Emperor was taken out and shot.
The Cavalry was led by such incomparable lieutenants as the theatric, dashing George A. Custer, and the quiet, gray- eyed George A. Crook.
The Second Corps, each man in its perfectly aligned ranks prouder of his clover leaf badge than of a peerage in the United Kingdom, was led by Andrew A. Humphreys, an ideal American soldier and corps commander.
The Fifth Corps, whose Maltese Cross had badged the dead in the forefront of every line of battle of the Army of the Poto- mac, was led by tall, slender, knightly, "Charley" Griffin, who had four years before entered the Corps as an enthusiastic young battery captain, and was now wearing the double stars of a major general, well earned in more than a score of hard- fought battles.
Those who on breast or cap wore a Greek Cross as a proud armorial bearing were the men who had followed the leonine John Sedgwick until his character had become theirs. They were led by tall, precise, formal Horatio G. Wright, an engi- neer officer all through. But he could drop his theorems and triangulations with remarkable quickness when the bugle called, and hurl the Sixth Corps like an avalanche to break the backbone of the Confederacy at Petersburg, or smash the heads of L,ee's columns at Sailor's Creek.
The Ninth Corps — " Burnside's Geography Class " — which had carried its cannon and anchor badge from Roanoke Island to the Antietam, and then to Vicksburg and East Tennessee, to return to the Army of the Potomac for the Wilderness and the siege of Petersburg, was led by another Engineer Officer, John G. Parke, with the memory of the gallant work of the Corps at Fort Stead man only a few weeks old.
[ ioo]
THE GRAM) KKYIKW
The finest array of light artillery then in the world came by under command of tall, swarthy Henry J. Hunt, a devout believer that Providence was on the side that had the most cannon and worked them to the best advantage.
Many of the loved and trusted leaders now belonged to history. The brilliant Kearney and the steadfast Stevens had fallen at Chantilly, in sight of the Capitol they were defending. Reno had died at South Mountain as his Corps had reached the crest it was assaulting. Mansfield and Richardson passed into the Beyond at Antietam. Reynolds only saw the begin- ning of the battle he opened at Gettysburg. Grand old John Sedgwick had fallen beneath a sharpshooter's bullet at Spottsylvania, and that superb example of genuine American aristocracy, James S. Wadsworth, had received the last of his wounds in the Wilderness.
The next day came another host mighty as the first, vying with it in the greatness of its history and the magnitude of its achievements — strangely like it in many things, strangely unlike in others.
It was Sherman's army marching into the Capital from the conquest of half a continent, ending on the banks of the Potomac a march begun four years before, two thousand miles away on the banks of the Ohio.
They were all Western men. The State builders of the great country beyond the Alleghanies. Their battle flags bore the inscriptions : "Belmont," "Donelson," "Shiloh," "Cor- inth," " Perryville," " Stone River," " Vicksburg," " Chicka- mauga," "Mission Ridge," "Atlanta," "Savannah." " Carolinas," " Bentonville," and a thousand minor battles, each of which had thrilled the people's hearts to the core.
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They were restless, aggressive men ; tiger-like in attack, and wild boars on the defense, who had hunted down and fought their enemies in every State in the so-called Southern Con- federacy. No mountain-top was too rugged, no swampy fast- ness too impenetrable to shelter any man who drew a sword or raised a flag in hostility to the Government. While the Army of the Potomac was chained to Washington, and fought all its battles within a few score miles of the Capital, they marched and fought over territory exceeding that of the battling grounds of all Europe. The}- had cut the Confederacy twice in twain, and then rove out broad swaths through the hearts of the seceding States.
Their appearance showed they were wider rangers, freer lances than the Army of the Potomac. The men of the latter approached more nearly the Regular Army model of dress, marching, and manoeuvres. The Western Army was rather careless as to dress and equipments, only caring to have enough to show that they were Union soldiers. Nor did they bother much about proper cadence, and absolute perfection of align- ment, but moved with the long, swinging stride which had carried them with marvelous swiftness over eleven States.
At their head rode the General-in-Chief, William Tecumseh Sherman — with the laurels of Atlanta, the March to the Sea, Through the Carolinas, and the Surrender of Johnson, still recent and fresh. Tall and sinewy, with rugged face and gleaming eyes, he looked the ideal leader of battle and con- quest. By his side, with armless sleeve, rode one of his princi- pal lieutenants — Oliver O. Howard, the Christian soldier, and the Commander of the Army of the Tennessee from Atlanta to Washington.
[ 102]
THE GRAND REVIEW
There now rode at the head of the Army of the Tennessee John A. Logan, the greatest volunteer general of the War, whose sword had won him that eminence from the starting point of a colonel of a regiment.
The Fifteenth Corps, which had been commanded by Sher- man in the Vicksburg campaign, and afterward by Logan in the Atlanta campaign, and through the Carolinas, was led by William B. Hazen, the hero of Fort McAllister.
The Seventeenth, McPherson's old Corps, was commanded by Frank P. Blair, the soldier-politician, who, with Nathaniel Lyon, had saved Missouri to the Union.
The Army of Georgia was commanded by the quiet, schol- arly Henry W. Slocum, whose face reminded one of Dante's.
The Twentieth Corps was commanded by " Fighting Joe Mower," who had entered the army in 1847 as a private in the engineers, and had been made a major-general for the passage of the Salkehatchie.
The Fourteenth Army Corps, the Corps which ' ( Pap ' ' Thomas had fashioned and made ' ' the Rock of Chickamauga ' ' was commanded by dark-faced, sour-looking Jefferson C. Davis, every inch a soldier, who had given the best taste of his quality at Pea Ridge, when, having fought a successful fight through, at great loss, on one part of the line, had led his brigade at once to another part and helped win the battle there.
The triumphant troops missed on the reviewing stand the face of all others they had most longed to see, that of the great-hearted, kindly Lincoln, who had fallen beneath the assassin's bullet, a few weeks before.
His place was taken by heavy-jowled, red-faced Johnson. At his side stood the great organizer of victory, the iron-willed Stanton, Secretary of War.
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Most interesting of all in that group was the ruddy bearded, stoop-shouldered, quiet man with four stars in his straps, who had commanded all the armies of the United States in the last decisive year of the war. A tanner's clerk when the war began ; a colonel in his first campaign, who won every promotion by success upon the field of battle ; who was constantly called to " come up higher," because he had done so well below ; who had never fought but to win ; and never organized but to succeed. The end of the war saw him the sole commander of a million battled-trained veterans, the mightiest host in every way that the world had ever seen subject to one man's will, and there was but one voice as to the eminent fitness for that pinnacle of unprecedented greatness of Lieutenant General Ulysses Grant.
[ 104]
Hi
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The Military Power of the United Sta.7 as Shown During the War of the
Rebellion.
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The Military Power of the United States as Shown During the War of the Rebellion.
By THOMAS McCURDY VINCENT Brigadier General, by brevet, U. S. Army
N April, 1861, the Government of the United States was, for the purpose of war, paralyzed. It had not, practi- cally, an army to maintain its au- thority, and was far from being able to attack the " accessible quarter " of an internal enemy, in conspiracy over an area of 733,144 square miles connected with a shore line of 25,144 miles ; a coast line of 3,522 miles ; and an interior boundary of 7,031 miles. Had the people of the United States, through Congress, been more thoughtful concerning the object of, and necessity for, the military arm, paralysis would have been avoided through the availability of a suitable force to crush the initial of the Rebellion, and the State, in combat with its own children, would have been spared a great sacrifice of human life — including that of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy — aside from a debt of $2,718,656,173.13 incident to, and arising from the war. All this independently of a pension debt, from 1861 to 1875, of $279,791,465.36, since increased about $150,000,000 ; thus aggregating $429,- 79i,465-36.
SECRETARY STANTON
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WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Early in the struggle, the question was not : What will it cost ? but, Can the Government be saved, at any cost?
The magnitude attained by the Rebellion is most instructive, for the public debt and the money paid to pensioners — $3,148,- 447,638.49 — would support our present* (1881) military force, costing, say $30,000,000 yearly, for one hundred and five years. Now, however, as a result of temporary expedients coupled with shameful neglect, the people have to pay the debt; expend say $30,000,000 yearly for pensions,! and support an army costing yearly $30,000,000. That is to say, we have lost, by not having an available force to prevent rebellion, $3,148,447,- 638.494
Powerless, however, as the Government then was to over- come the gigantic attack, there was, fortunately, a grand latent power, awaiting for its development only the demand of the national heart and the Regular Army to educate it and prepare it for service. After seven months of preparation that power was manifest, under an organization numbering 640,637 officers and enlisted men — the Volunteer Army of the United States, with its elements of patriotism, wisdom, courage and modera- tion.
Mobilization.
1 861.
On January 1, the authorized Army of the United States consisted of two regiments of dragoons ; two regiments of cav- alry ; one regiment of mounted riflemen ; four regiments of artillery ; and ten regiments of infantry — aggregating, present and absent, 16,402 commissioned officers and enlisted men, inclusive of the general officers and general staff.
* This article was written in 1881.
f Estimated amount for the year ending June 30, 1882, $68,282,306.68 ; inclusive of certain arrears.
I At this date, June, 1902, we have lost by not having an available force to prevent rebellion, $5,383,378,035. An amount that would support an army costing yearly say $100,000,000, about 54 years.
[ 108 ]
THE MILITARY POWER OF THE UNITED STATES
On April 14, it was officially promulgated, by the President of the United States, that revolutionary combinations existed in certain States, and 75,000 militia, for three months' service, were called to suppress said combinations and to cause the laws to be duly executed. In addition, all loyal citizens were appealed to that they might favor, facilitate, and aid the effort to maintain " the honor, the integrity, and the existence of our National Union, and the perpetuity of popular government, and to redress wrongs already long enough endured." The President deemed it proper to add, that the first service of the forces would, probably, be to repossess the forts, places and property which had been seized from the Union, and directed that in every event, consistently with the objects he had referred to, care should be taken to avoid " any devastation, any destruction of or interference with property, or any disturb- ance of peaceful citizens in any part of the country."
When the President took this first decided action against the rebellion, the danger threatening the seat of Government will be indicated in the following :
Headquarters of the Army,
Washington, April 26, 186 r. General Orders No. 4.
I. From the known assemblage, near this city, of numer- ous hostile bodies of troops, it is evident that an attack upon it may soon be expected. In such an event, to meet and repel the enemy, it is necessary that some plan of harmonious co-operation should be adopted on the part of all the forces, regu- lar and volunteer, present for the defense of the Capital — that is, for the defense of the Government, the peaceable inhabit- ants of the city their property, the public buildings, and public archives
II. At the first moment of attack every regiment, battal- ion, squadron, and independent company will promptly asseui-
[ 109 ]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
ble at its established rendezvous (in or out of the public build- ings) ready for battle, and wait for orders.
III. The piquets (or advanced guards) will stand fast till driven in by overwhelming forces ; but it is expected that those stationed to defend bridges — having every advantage of posi- tion— will not give way till actually pushed by the bayonet. Such obstinacy on the parts of piquets so stationed is abso- lutely necessary to give time for the troops in the rear to assemble at their places of rendezvous.
IV. All advance guards and piquets driven in, will fall back slowly to dela}' the advance of the enemy as much as possible, before repairing to their proper rendezvous.
V. On the happening of an attack, the troops lodged in the public buildings, and in the Navy Yard, will remain for their defense, respectively, unless specially ordered elsewhere ; with the exceptions that the Seventh New York regiment and the Massachusetts regiment will march rapidly toward the President's Square for its defense ; and the Rhode Island regi- ment (in the Department of the Interior) when full, will make a diversion, by detachment, to assist in the defense of the Gen- eral Post Office Building, if necessary.
Winfield Scott.
On May 3, the President deemed it indispensably necessary to further augment the forces by 42,034 three-year volunteers (39 regiments of infantry and one of cavalry) ; and 22,714 officers and enlisted men of the regular army (8 regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and one of artillery). The augmen- tation was confirmed by the act of Congress approved August 6, 1861.
Thus the forces, exclusive of the Navy, authorized " for the
protection of the National Union by the suppression of the
insurrectionary combinations " then existing, were :
Regular Army (January 1, 1861) 16,402
Militia (April 15, 1861) 75, 000
Regulars and Volunteers (May 3, 1861) 64,748
Total 156,150
[no]
THE MILITARY POWER OF THE UNITED STATES
It must be remembered that while it was intended that the regular army should aggregate 39,i 16 (16,402 + 22,714; it fell far short of that number, and did not reach the authorized standard at any time during the war, as will appear from the aggregate strength — present and absent — at various dates, as follows : July 1, 1861, 16,422 ; January 1, 1862, 22,425 ; March 31, 1862, 23,308; January 1, 1863, 25,463; January 1, 1864, 24,636 ; January 1, 1865, 22,019 ; March 31, 1865, 21,669.
The call for militia was more than met; 91,816 were fur- nished— but the force was hardly mustered in when terms of service found their expiration. The call for 40 regiments of volunteers was more than met — 71 regiments of infantry, 1 of heavy artillery, and 10 batteries of light artillery were accepted and mustered into the service before July 1.
In July the magnitude of the unlawful violence had fully dawned and it was clearly apparent that the measures author- ized for the impartial enforcement of constitutional laws, and for the speedy restoration of peace and order, had failed. Con- gress assembled, and by the acts approved, respectively, July 22 and 25, authorized the President to accept 500,000 volun- teers for three years or the war. Extended latitude, as to the acceptance, was conferred by the act approved July 31, in that " previous proclamation " was done away with, and that the volunteers were authorized to be accepted "in such numbers, from any State or States as in his (the President's) discretion the public service may require."
The recruitment was so energetically pressed by the people that on January 1, 553,492 men were in active service, and on March 31, the number had been increased to 613,813. With
[in]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
such a force — believed by the people sufficient to overcome the rebellion — there were necessarily vast expenditures, and conse- quently the Government was pressed to discontinue the re- cruiting service ; and it was, on April 3, discontinued for every State — officers with their details joined their respective regi- ments, and the public property belonging to the service was sold. At this time, had any one said that it would require 2,600,000 enlistments, from first to last, and an increase of the volunteer forces, in service at one time, to 1,000,000, in order that armed resistance to the Government might be overthrown, the assertion would have been considered as marking insanity. An officer, with fame now world-wide, early in 1861, urged the calling out of 300,000 men ; and more than one person alleged him to be under a visitation of insanity — a subject fit for an institution having for its object "the most humane care and enlightened curative treatment of the insane of the Army."
Fortunately, the error of non-recruitment for the forces was soon forced to the observation of the Executive, and, June 6, the recruiting service was ordered to be resumed.
The blighting effect of the discontinuance had influence over future attempts to recruit the Armies.
On June 30, the volunteer forces were as follows :
Cavalry 76,844
Artillery 30.467
Infantry 5H.723
Grand aggregate 622,034 '> inclusive
of 15,007 three-months men furnished in May and June, under special authority.
The entire number of volunteers furnished under the calls of
[112]
THE MILITARY POWER OF THE (JNITED STATES
May 3, 1861, and the acts approved, respectively, July 22 and 25, 1861, was as follows :
Three years, 657,868 ; two years, 30,950; one year, 9,147; six months, 2,715 ; a total of 700,680.
A comparison of this with the strength of the forces in serv- ice at various dates, points to the rapidity with which they were depleted, and the large numbers required to meet casual- ties.
On June 28, the Governors of Maine, New Hampshire, Ver- mont, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Michigan, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin — also the President of the Military Board of Kentucky, requested the President to call upon the several States for such number of men as might be required to fill up all organizations in the field, and to add to the armies then organized. The request was based on a desire that the recent successes of the Federal armies might be followed by measures which would secure the speedy restora- tion of the Union, and the belief, in view of the important military movements then in progress, that the time had arrived for prompt and vigorous measures, thus to speedily crush the rebellion. The decisive moment seemed near at hand, and the people were desirous to aid, promptly, in furnishing all need- ful re-enforcements to sustain the Government.
The President concurred in the wisdom of the views expressed in the request, and, on July 2, called for 300,000 men for three years. He was enabled to do this under the extended authority conferred by the act approved on July 31, 1861. This call for volunteers was, on August 4, supplemented by one, through a draft, for 300,000 militia, for nine months' service. These efforts secured 421,465 three-year volunteers, and 88,588 nine- months' militia. By September 17, 212,488 of the numbers
[113]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
had been furnished and were mainly in the field ; on November 21, the aggregate was 370,349 ; and on the same date the strength of the volunteer armies of the United States was :
Grand aggregate, officers and enlisted . . . 790,197 Sick, wounded, and absent 124,012
Leaving present for duty 666,185
1863. On January 1, the volunteer forces numbered 892,728. From that date, notwithstanding that musters out and casualties would soon heavily reduce the armies, there was a marked lethargy in the recruitment of the forces, and, to October i, the volunteers and militia mustered into service only numbered as follows :
For New Organizations.
Three years 49,069
One year 1.059
Nine months 917
Six months 12,787 63,832
For Old Organizations.
Three years 19^74
One year 72
Nine months 149
Six months 15 19.410
TJnassigned.
New 2,570
Old 1.921
Colored 97° 5,46i
Grand total 88,703
A number far from sufficient to maintain the necessary strength. While 100,000 militia were called for by the Presi- dent's proclamation of June 15, only 16,361 were furnished.
Fortunately for the Government, on March 3, 1863, the act of Congress, " for enrolling and calling out the national forces.
[114]
THE MILITARY POWER OF THE UNITED STATES
and for other purposes," was approved by the President ; and thus the people were to become familiar with conscription.
Under the enrollment act the subjects of " credit " for men furnished to the military service, was realized as one of great importance, and it became necessary to know how the respect- ive States stood in account with the General Government. The following exhibit served as the working basis for quotas under future calls :
|
State |
Deficiency. |
Excess. |
|
Connecticut |
1,748 473 |
|
|
Delaware |
||
|
Illinois |
60, 171 25,5" 13, 897 |
|
|
Indiana |
||
|
Iowa |
Not determined . |
|
|
Kansas . . . |
||
|
Kentucky |
Not determined 2, 892 13, 302 5,851 |
|
|
Maine |
||
|
Maryland .... |
||
|
Massachusetts . . . |
||
|
Michigan |
5,238 |
|
|
Missouri |
Not determined • |
|
|
Minnesota . . . |
2,535 |
|
|
New Hampshire New Jersey |
388 12,503 |
|
|
New York |
5,517 28, 429 |
|
|
Ohio |
||
|
Pennsylvania |
15, 407 |
|
|
Rhode Island .... |
i,i9S |
|
|
Tennessee . . . |
Not determined . |
|
|
Vermont .... |
None |
|
|
West Virginia . . |
3,373 3,578 |
|
|
Wisconsin |
||
|
Total |
52, 564 |
149, 393 |
The aggregate deficiency, under all calls, at the termination of the war was 68,648 ; the number would have been obtained in full had recruiting and drafting been continued.
On October 1, the strength of the volunteer armies was, pres- ent and absent, 812,578.
[115]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
On October 17, the President called for 300,000 volunteers for three years' service, and directed that any deficiency that might exist on January 5, 1864, should be filled by draft. At the same time he addressed himself to the people, invoking them to lend a willing, cheerful, and effective aid to the measures thus adopted, " with a view to reinforce our victo- rious armies in the field, and bring our needful military opera- tions to a prosperous end, thus closing forever the fountains of sedition and civil war."
1864.
On January 1, the volunteer forces aggregated 836,101.
On February 1, a draft for 500,000 men was ordered, but owing to the allowance of " credits by enlistment and draft," the call, practically, was only for 200,000.
Under the calls of October 17, 1863, and the draft of February 1, 1864, 317,092 men were obtained for three years and 52,288 paid commutation.
Soon after, on February 24, by act of Congress approved that date, the President was authorized, whenever he deemed it necessary during the war, to call for such number of men for the military service of the United States as the public exi- gencies might require, it established " the will of the President as the authority for raising troops," and conferred a delicate and mighty power.
On March 14, a call was made for 200,000 men for three years; 259,515 were furnished, and 32,678 paid commutation.
On July 18, there was a further call for 500,000 ; the volun- teers were accepted for one, two, or three years, as they desired, and the States were given fifty days in which to raise their quotas, in accordance with section 2 of the enrollment act approved on July 14. 386,461 men were supplied, and 1,298 paid commutation.
[116]
THE MILITARY POWEK OF THE UNITED STATES
From April 23 to July 5 inclusive, several calls for troops, to serve not exceeding 100 days, were made. Under them 95 regiments, 2 battalions, and 26 independent companies were furnished — mainly infantry.
On December 19 there was a call for 300,000 men to serve for one, two, or three years ; but after 194,635 had been raised under it — active military operations having ceased — April 13, 1865, orders were promulgated to discontinue recruitment.
1865.
On January 1, the strength of the Volunteer Army was 937,441 ; March 31, 958,471 ; May 1, 1,034,064.
The results accomplished, during the period embraced in the foregoing, will be apparent from the following exhibits:
1.— Number of organizations — volunteers and militia— organized and mustered into the service of the United States during the rebellion— by calls.
|
Infantry, No. of— , |
Cavalry. No. of— |
Artillery. No. of — |
|||||||
|
Calls— under which |
a V Ej 'Si p4 |
a 0 cd cd pq 1 3 2 '5 21 |
a. a v a ■a nj a p. <u a o,g u O ■3 ° S3 17 42 24 5 2 8 17 18 94 128 '49 504 |
to a V 1 V Pi 82 44 1 4 20 11 3 2 65 232 |
a 0 a m 3 |
jj en* a. a T3 CO c a " c ^S nj 0 -a 0 2 28 |
Reg'ts. |
Battal's. |
Comp's. |
|
furnished. |
'3 |
>> s> cd u X |
2 '5 |
> c« |
I I I29 |
> CS |
|||
|
April 15, i86r |
104 560 346 72 8 18 12 95 66 54 333 |
||||||||
|
May 3, and acts of July 22 and 25, 1861 . . . July 2, 1862 |
6 |
9 12 |
3 |
I |
3 |
||||
|
August 4, 1862 ... |
1 |
4 13 11 18 5 2 |
|||||||
|
June 15, 1863 |
6 8 5 2 1 1 22 ^44 |
||||||||
|
October 17, 1863 . . . Feb. 1 and Mar. 14, 1864 1864, for 100-day troops July 18, 1864 December 19, 1864 . |
1 |
1 3 7 |
... 1 |
1 3 1 |
|||||
|
Special, 1861, '62 '63, '64 |
5 9 |
39 122 |
1 8 |
12 44 |
1 5 |
I |
22 |
||
|
Grand total .... |
1,668 |
30 |
[117]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
2. — Number of organizations — -volunteers and militia — organized and mustered into the service of the United States during the rebellion by States and Territories.
|
Infantry. No. of— |
ko!o£- A,tillery- No-of- |
||||||||
|
States and Territories. |
a n g M V Pi |
CO a 0 cd cq |
a .a •O cd s a v d p,H OJ O -a ° a |
CO a a M |
a _o "3 cd P3 |
a .a u p ~ a a 0 U a a; 0 HH |
Reg'ts. |
Battal's. |
Comp's. |
|
be '5 |
>> > cd w 2 I 4 I I I 13 2 4 2 1 12 1 |
3 bo 3 2 |
cd V w I . ; "l| |
a 1 1 2 1 38 26 4 4 7 7 19 14 3 8 1 6 29 28 6 2 3 6 13 10 244 |
cd u K |
||||
|
? |
I I |
..i-. |
|||||||
|
Arizona |
I I |
||||||||
|
Arkansas California . . Dakota |
2 8 i 27 |
1 4 |
4 2 3 |
6 2 1 j 18 1 2 8 9 7 2 10 2 1 6 5 18 T3 2 3 2 2 1 |
2 2 I I ] I 8 |
1 |
|||
|
Delaware District of Columbia . . Florida |
6 2 |
3 4o |
1 2 15 11 9 8 17 2 2 1 5 11 2 i 29 2 1 3 1 29 13 1 24 2 12 2 1 4 3 7 |
I 3 1 2 |
1 |
||||
|
Georgia |
1 I I |
2 67 2 24 49 5 39 6 3 |
|||||||
|
Illinois Indiana Indian Territory . . . Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts .... Mississippi |
155 138 3 45 9 47 4 3i 18 69 37 12 |
.3 ' 8 |
|||||||
|
Missouri Nebraska |
75 |
11 |
4i |
||||||
|
New Hampshire . . . New York North Carolina .... Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania Tennessee |
17 37 6 245 4 218 1 189 9 16 |
5 |
3 10 11 57 25 92 6 |
2 10 |
|||||
|
Virginia Washington Territory . West Virginia .... Wisconsin First army corps . . . U. S. volunteers . . . U. S. colored troops . . |
16 1 ' '18 54 I 133, |
3 1 3 2 1 4 |
1 4 |
||||||
|
Grand total . . . . |
1, 668| 2r |
504 |
232 |
9 |
122 |
44 |
5 |
30 |
[118]
THE MILITARY POWEK OF THE UNITED STATBS
3. — Number of men called for, and number furnished, etc , by each Slate, Territory, and the District of ( olumbia, during the War of the Rebellion.
States and Territories.
Maine
New Hampshire . . .
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Connecticut
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Delaware
Maryland
West Virginia ... District of Columbia .
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
Kentucky
Kansas
Tennessee
Arkansas
North Carolina . . . .
California
Nevada
Oregon
Washington Territory Nebraska Territory . . Colorado Territory . . Dakota Territory . . . New Mexico Territory
Alabama
Florida
Louisiana
Mississippi
Texas
Indian Nation . . . .
Aggregate.
Quota.
Men furnished.
73, 5«7
35. 897 32, 074
139, 095
18. 898
44, 797
507, 148
92, 820
385, 3^9 13, 935 70, 965 34, 463 13,973 306, 322 199,788
244, 496
95,oo7
109, 080
26, 326
79,52i
122, 496
100, 782
12,931
1,560
780
1,560
Total
70, 107
33. 937 33, 288
146, 730 23, 236 55, 864
448, 850 76,814
327, 936
12, 284
46, 638
32, 068
i6,534
3»3, 180
196,363
259, 092
87, 364 9L327 24, 020 76, 242 109, in 75, 76o 20, 149 3 T , °92 8,289
3,156
15, 725 1,080
T,8lO
964
3,157 4,903
206
6,561 2,576
1, 290
5,224
545 1,965 3,530
&- a
2, 007 692
1,974
5,318 463
1,515 18, 197
4, 196
28, 171
1,386
3,678
' 338
6,479
784
55
2,OoS
5,097 1,032
67
3,265 2
2, 763, 670 2, 67S, 967
72,114
34, 629
35, 262 152,048
23, 699
57,379
467, 047
81,010
366, 107
13,670
50,316
32, 068
16,872
319, 659
197, 147
259, 147
89, 372
96, 424
25,052
76, 309 109, 1 1 1
79, 025
20, 151
31,092
8,289
3,156
15, 725
1,080
1,810
964
3,157
4,903
2c6
6,561 2,576
I, 290
5,224
545 1,965 3,530
Aggregate reduced to a 3 years'
standard.
56, 776 30, 849 29, 068
124, IO4 17,866 SO, 623
392, 270 57,908
265,517 IO,322
4L275 27,714 11,506
240,5H
153,576
214, 133
80, III
79, 260 19, 693 68, 630 86, 530 70, 832 18, 706 26, 394 7,836 3,156
15, 725 1,080
i,773
964
2,175
3,697
206
4,432 i, 611 1,290 4,654 545 1,632 3,53o
86, 7242, 765, 691 2, 228, 4S3
[ 119]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
The constant addition to the forces, of new regiments, proved a great element of weakness to the armies. As a great evil it may here be referred to.
Under every call, the first act of Governors of States was to ask the authority to raise new regiments. The desire of the War Department was to secure recruits for old regiments, and thus maintain their organizations. The Secretary of War, in order to a determined stand, secured, in December, 1864, the views of the General-in-Chief and Army commanders. All were in support of the opinion of the Secretary, relative to the necessity of recruits for old regiments ; but the pressure of the States caused all, as on former occasions, to yield, and 56 new regiments and 129 new independent companies under the call of December 19, 1864, were added to the list of organiza- tions in service, 77 regiments and 98 companies having been added under the call of July 18, 1864. All this at a time when the Army of the Potomac, alone, required 80,000 recruits to fill its organizations to the maximum — some 400,000 would have been necessary for all the armies — and when experienced and gallant lieutenant colonels and other regimental officers, bearing the wounds of many battles, could not receive promo- tion owing to the depleted state of their commands. The subject was pointedly referred to by the commander of one of the armies, as follows :
The raising of new regiments is a means desired to fill the quota and avoid the draft.
There is no intention, I suppose, that these new regiments should serve the United States, and their colonels will hardly come into contact with the army. Still if it be the intention to put these new regiments into the field, where they would have command of older and better regimental commanders, it
[ 120]
THK MILITARY POWER OF THE UNITED STATES
is a question for the War Department to determine, and not mine. I must take troops as they come to me, and respect the commissions they hold.
Marvellous results have been achieved by the United States, as exemplified by what has been recorded in the foregoing, in connection with the following summary :
i. On July i, 1861, the strength of the Volunteer Army was 170,329. If there be added 77,875 militia for three months, obtained immediately under the call of April 15, 1861, we have 248,204 men recruited and placed in service in two and one- half months, an average of almost 100,000 a month. From July 1, 1861, to January 1, 1862, the average number a month actually added to the forces was 63,860, in all, 383,163, this without the aid of extraordinary expedients and in the face of great difficulties met with in arming, clothing, and equipping.
The foregoing is with reference to the actual strength on January 1, 1862, and without regard to depletion from disa- bility and other causes, so great that on August 11, 1862, the official returns indicated that 272,328 recruits were required to fill the regiments then in service.
On December 1, 1861, the estimated strength of the forces was 640,637, and on that basis the average number of men a month recruited from July 1, 1861, to December 1, 1861, was 94,061 — in all 470,308.
The difficulties in arming, clothing, and equipments were so great that the service of hundreds of thousands were declined. Could arms, clothing, and equippage have been secured, it is safe to say that 1,000,000 of men could have been placed in service within five months.
2. One State, Illinois, under the calls of July 2 and August 4, 1862, placed in service 58,689 men. Of that number over
[12!]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
50,000 — from the farmers and mechanics of the State — were furnished within eleven days.
"Animated by a common purpose and firmly resolved on rescuing the Government [they] left their harvests ungathered, their tools on the benches, the plows in the furrows," thus making a proud record, without a parallel in the history of the war.
3. Under the calls of July 2 and August 4, 1862, there were prior to November 21 of the same year, sent to the field :
289 regiments of infantry for 3 years,
58 regiments of infantry for 9 months,
34 batteries of artillery for 3 years,
42 companies of cavalry for 3 years and
36 companies of cavalry for 9 months ; and 50,000 recruits for old three-year regiments — a grand aggregate of 370,349 men; an average of about 82,211 a month.
4. Under the proposition (accepted by the President on April 23, 1864) of the Governors of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, to furnish 85,000 one-hundred-day troops, the Governer of Ohio, in response to the War Department call of May 1 , ordered the contribution of the State to rendezvous in the respective counties at the most eligible places, on May 2. At seven and one-half o'clock, p. m., the same date, reports recited 38,000 men in camp. In twelve days 36,254 men were organized into 41 regiments and one battalion, mustered, clothed, armed, equipped, and ready for transporta- tion to the field.
On May 24, 22 days from date of rendezvous, the forty-two regiments embracing the force were in active service.
[ 122 ]
THE MILITARY POWER OF THK tNITED STATES
5. During four months in 1864, 295,011 three years men were placed in the field — 69,533 in February and 115,000 in September.
6. February, 1865, 69,000 one, two, and three year men were furnished by four States, as follows :
Ohio 10,984
Indiana H»3I7
Illinois 13,696
Wisconsin 5,015
Total 41,012
or sixty per cent of the entire number from all the States.
Inclusive of March, 1865, the number was increased to 136,000, of which the same States furnished 18,783 ; 17,993 ; 22,016 ; and 8,142 respectively — 66,934 or forty-nine per cent, of the entire number recruited within the two months.
7. More than 2,600,000 men were furnished on the Union side, and about 800,000, approximation, on the Confederate — an aggregate North and South, of 3,400,000. That is to say— from April 15, 1861, to April 28, 1865, a period of about 48 consecutive months, the country supplied, monthlv, an average of almost 71,000 — a large arm}- — for military service.
DlSBANDMEXT.
April 28, 1865, in view of the speedy termination of hostili- ties, the Secretary of War, immediately after his return from a meeting of the cabinet, directed General Orders, No. 77, series of 1865, " for reducing the expenses of the military establishment " to be promulgated.
That order was prepared, personally, by the Secretary, and handed to me, with directions to change it as might seem
[123]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
necessary. The order, in its main features, was found to cover fully every essential connected with so great and important an undertaking, and is here referred to, as illustrating the wonderful knowledge, in detail, which the distinguished Minister of War possessed relative to the military establish- ment. He knew it, intimately, in all its parts ; such had been the great devotion and study given by him to the personnel and materiel.
Preliminary orders to muster out, were given as follows :
April 29. All recruits, drafted men, substitutes, and volun- teers remaining at the several State depots.
May 4. All patients in hospitals ; except veteran volunteers, and the veterans of the First Army Corps (Hancock's).
May 8. All troops of the cavalry arm, whose terms of serv- ice would expire prior to October 1.
May 9. All officers and enlisted men, whose terms would expire prior to May 31, inclusive.
To cover the heavy undertaking of disbanding the principal portion of the forces, with their regimental and company organizations, General Order, No. 94, from the Adjutant Gen- eral's Office, dated May 15, was promulgated.
At the meeting which decided the method, the Secretary realized the vastness of the work about to be undertaken, and the responsibility attaching to the War Department. When informed that I had already prepared a method for effecting the disbandment he gave evidence of his great relief. The arrange- ments for the care of discharged troops having been completed, orders to muster out, and discharge from service were issued. The orders were of various dates between May 17, 1865, to July 11, 1866.
[ '24]
THE MILITARY POWER OF THE UNITED STATES
The rapidity with which the work was executed will be ap- parent from the fact that, to August 7, 640,806 troops had been mustered out ; August 22, 719.338 ; September 14.. 741 ,- 107 ; October 15, 785,205 ; November 15, 800,963, ; January 20, 1866, 918,722 ; February 15, 952,452 ; March 10, 967,887 ; May 1, 968,782 ; June 30, 1,010,670; November 1, 1,023,021, leaving then in service 11,043 volunteers, colored and white.
The command of Major General Sherman (Army of the Tennessee and Army of Georgia) and the Army of the Potomac were first to complete their musters-out, entirely. Regi- ments began leaving General Sherman's command, then num- bering present and absent, 116,183 officers and men, from the rendezvous near Washington on May 29, and on August 1, the last one of the regiments mustered out left Louisville, Ken- tucky, to which point the command (after the musters-out therefrom were partly completed) was transferred, and the armies composing it merged into one, called the Army of the Tennessee. The work of mustering out the troops was not continuous — it was interrupted and delayed by the transfer of the two armies from Washington to Louisville and their sub- sequent consolidation.
Regiments began leaving the Army of the Potomac (number- ing, including Ninth Corps, 162,851 officers and men, present and absent) from the rendezvous near Washington on May 29, and about six weeks thereafter (July 19) the last regiment started for home. During the interval, the work, like that of General Sherman's command, was not continuous. It was interrupted and delayed by the movement of the Sixth Corps from Danville, Virginia, to Washington, and the consolidation, by orders of June 28, of the remaining portion"of the army
[125]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
into a provisional corps, numbering, present and absent, 22,699 officers and men.
Thus for the two commands in question, and between May 29 and August 12 (two months) 279,034 officers and men, present and absent, were mustered out and placed on the way to their homes.
Including other armies and departments, the number was increased by August 7 (two months and seven days) to 640,806 officers and men.
From the foregoing it will be seen that the forces were mustered out mainly by September 14, or within two and one- half months from the time the movements of troops homeward began. The monthly average during that time was 296,442.
Had it been possible to spare all the volunteers, the entire number, 1,034,064, could have been disbanded and returned to their homes within three months from the date (May 29, 1865), when the movement homeward began.
The disbandment progressed rapidly and quietly, and has been fittingly referred to by the General of the Army, in his report of October 20, 1865, as follows :
The reduction of the army was now made by organiza- tions, and during the month of July, the two most important armies in the country — that of the Potomac and of the Ten- nessee— returned to the people, from whom they had come four years before. Since that time, the reduction of the troops left in the Southern States to secure order and protect the freedmen in the liberty conferred on them, has been grad- ually going on, in proportion as continued quiet and good order have justified it.
On May 1, 1865, the aggregate of the military force of the United States was 1,000,516* men. On October 20 this had
* Subsequently found to be 1,034,064.
[126]
THE MILITARY POWER OF THE I'NITED STATES
been reduced, as is estimated, to 210,000 and further reduc- tions are still being made.
These musters-out were admirably conducted, eight hun- dred thousand men passing from the army to civil life so quietly that it was scarcely known, save by the welcome to their homes received by them.
Logistical Measures — The Science of the Staff. 1 . Involving the Person nel.
The Adjutant General's Department, and the Bureau of the Provost Marshal General, had to do with supplying men for the armies. The former, in addition, was charged with the organization and disbandment of the forces. The following will indicate as to both :
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT.
The recruitment of white volunteers was under the exclu- sive control of the Adjutant General, from the first call for troops until May, 1863, when it was placed under the Provost Marshal General, who by the law was charged with the enrollment and draft ; thus the entire recruiting service for white volunteers was properly placed under one head. It was believed that the change would reduce the expenses of recruitment through the more rigid control secured by the enrollment act.
The regulations framed by the Adjutant General's Office, for the volunteer recruiting service, remained in force, with but slight modifications, during the war.
In addition to the recruitment of white volunteers, prior to May 1, 1863, the Adjutant General was charged with the recruitment of all colored volunteers and the re-enlistment of veteran volunteers in the field. The Adjutant General had,
[127]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
simply, to do with the formal re-enlistment of the veterans. The plan for their recruitment was devised and prepared by the Provost Marshal General.
The following is a summary of the number :
Militia (3 and 9 months) from April 15, 1861,
to May 1, 1863 195,921
Volunteers from May 3, 1861, to May 1, 1863 1,149,719 Colored troops during the war 169,624
Total 1,515,264
Veteran volunteers, re-enlistment in the field, 1 863-' 64 under the recruitment system of the Provost Marshal General 138,251.
The foregoing involved :
1 . The establishment and management of the general depots, or rendezvous in the several States, for collecting and instruct- ing recruits.
2. The care of all recruits (including those enlisted under the Provost Marshal General Bureau) after arrival at general depot.
3. The organization of the recruits for new commands, into regiments and companies ; also the framing of the numer- ous orders and regulations relative to the organization of the volunteer forces, and the responsibility for their enforcement.
4. The forwarding of all troops, new organizations and detachments of recruits for old ones, to the field.
5. The muster-iu of commissioned officers and enlisted men for all organizations in the field, and for those serving else- where under the control of commanding generals of depart- ments. This important duty, involving many difficult questions, upon the solution of which depended the beginning
[128]
TIIK MILITARY POWER OF THE UNITED STATICS
of pay, or date of rank, required at times a corps of two hun- dred commissaries, and assistant commissaries of musters, or one commissary for each military geographical division and department, and each army, and one assistant for each division of troops.
6. The mustering out and discharging all volunteers and militia, and the general direction of them whilst returning to their homes.
7. The charge connected with a personnel of 1,034,064 officers and enlisted men in so far as involved their military records. Of this number, the records attached to 90,000 com- missioned officers, 'involving leaves of absence, resignations, dismissals, etc.
PROVOST MARSHAL GENERAL'S BUREAU.
The following is a condensed summary of the results of the operations of that bureau from its organization to the close of the war :
1. By means of a full and exact enrollment of all persons liable to conscription under the law of March 3, 1863, and its amendments, a complete exhibit of the military resources of the loyal States in men was made showing an aggregate number of 2,254,063 men, not including 1,000,516 soldiers actually under arms when hostilities ceased.
2. There were 1,120,621 men raised at an average cost (on account of recruitment, exclusive of bounties) of $9.84 per man ; while the cost of recruiting the 1,356,593 raised prior to the organization of the bureau was $34.01 per man. A saving of 70 cents on the dollar in the cost of raising troops was thus effected under this bureau, notwithstanding the increase in the price of subsistence, transportation, rents, etc., during the last two years of the war.
[ 129]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
There were 76,526 deserters arrested and returned to the army.
The vigilance and energy of the officers of the bureau in this branch of business put an effectual check to the wide- spread evil of desertion, which at one time impaired so seriously the numerical strength and efficiency of the army.
4. The quotas of men furnished by the various parts of the country were equalized, and a proportionate share of military service secured from each, thus removing the very serious inequality of recruitment, which had arisen during the first two years of the war, and which when the bureau was organized had become an almost insuperable obstacle to further progress in raising troops.
5. Records were completed, showing minutely the physical condition of 1,014,776 of the men examined and tables of great scientific and professional value have been compiled from these data.
6. The casualties in the entire militar}' force of the nation during the War of the Rebellion, as shown by the official mus- ter rolls and monthly returns, have been compiled, showing, among other items, 5,221 commissioned officers, and 90,868 enlisted men killed in action, or died of wounds while in serv- ice ; 2,321 commissioned officers, and 182,329 enlisted men who died from disease or accident ; making an aggregate of 280,739 officers and men of the Army, who lost their lives in service.
In addition to the foregoing, the Provost Marshal General has referred, in his report for 1866, to the re-enlistment and reorganization in 1863 and 1864 of regiments then in service, termed after reorganization, " Veteran Volunteers," as follows :
The loss by expiration of enlistment of entire regiments and companies, after they had seen service enough to become valuable soldiers, proved a serious drawback to military opera-
[ 130 ]
THE MILITARY POWER OI? THE UNITED STATES
tions during the first two years of the war. Soon after the organization of this bureau its attention was directed to the discovery and application of a remedy for this evil. An examination in the summer of 1863 showed that of 956 volun- teer regiments, 7 independent battalions, 61 independent com- panies, and 158 volunteer batteries then in service, the terms of 455 regiments, 3 battalions, 38 independent companies, and 81 batteries would expire prior to December 31, 1864, leaving the army to consist at that date of 501 regiments, 4 indepen- dent battalions, 23 independent companies, and 77 batteries, and such new men in addition as could be raised in the mean- time.
The importance of retaining in the field as many as possible of these experienced organizations was evident.
To effect this a scheme was prepared and submitted by me for the re-enlistment of three-years men still in service, having less than one year longer to serve, and of men enlisted for nine months or less, who had less than three months to serve.
This plan was not carried into effect until late in the autumn of 1863, when the great campaigns of that year had closed, and the troops resting from their labors and looking forward to a season of comparative inactivity, were most anxious to visit their homes. That privilege was guaranteed to them by your General Order of November 21, 1863, and eminent suc- cess in their reorganization promptly followed.
By this expedient over 136,000 tried soldiers, whose services would otherwise have been lost, were secured, and capable, experienced officers continued in command. The exact value of the services rendered by any particular part of the military forces may not be ascertained, but it may safely be asserted that the veterans thus organized and retained performed in the closely contested campaigns subsequent to their re-enlist- ment, a part essential to the final success which attended our arms. In his official report of 1864, the Secretary of War says in relation to this subject, ' ' I know of no operation connected
[131]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
with the recruitment of the army which has resulted in more advantage to the service than the one referred to."
The patriotic determination of these troops who had taken a prominent part in the war to continue it until brought to a satisfactory close was the foundation of the success which attended this enterprise. Its advantages were not only those resulting from the actual military force thus retained. It produced a favorable effect on the recruiting service generally, and was as encouraging to the friends of the Government as discouraging to the insurgents.
The accession of the veterans to the military forces was deemed so valuable by Congress, as to warrant that body in extending thanks, by the Joint Resolution approved March 3, 1864, General Orders, No. 88, Adjutant General's Office, series of that year.
The conditions of the re-enlistment and the inducements connected therewith, as submitted by the Provost Marshal General, were promulgated in General Orders, Nos. 191 and 376, series of 1863, from the Adjutant General's Office.
2. Involving the Materiel through the Supply Departments. quartermaster's department.
During the whole war, there was no failure of operations through lack of transportation, or the supplies required of the Quartermaster's Department. Its vast and various stores had not only to be ready at numerous and widely extended points when needed, but it had to transport to all points, there to be in readiness at the proper time, the extensive quantities of pro- visions, medical and hospital stores, arms and ammunition, provided by the other supply departments.
[132]
THE MILITARY POWER OF Till'; UNITED STATES
Brevet Major General Meigs, Quartermaster General, in his annual report for 1865, said :
I have imperfectly set forth in this report some of the more important operations of the Quartermaster's Department during the past year. I hope at a future time to be able to present to you more complete and detailed information of the extent of these sources, in material and men and money, which, under your administration of the War Department, have been applied to support and sustain the armies in every part of the wide field of operation, during the past four years of war.
This information, properly digested, if published, will stand before the world as an example and a warning of the power and resources of a free people, for any contest into which they heartily enter, and from it the soldier and statesman will be able to draw valuable lessons for use, in case it ever again becomes necessary for this Nation to put forth its strength in arms.
With reference to animals alone, the Department supplied 650,000 horses and 450,000 mules. In the third year the armies in the field required for the cavalry, artillery, and trains one-half as man}' animals as there were soldiers.
MOVEMENTS OF TROOPS LONG DISTANCES WITHIN SHORT PERIODS OF TIME.
i. The transfer in 1863, by rail, of the Twelfth Army Corps, the command aggregating 23,000 men — accompanied by its artillery, trains, animals, and baggage — from the Rapidan, in Virginia, to Stevenson, in Alabama, a distance of 1,192 miles in seven days, crossing the Ohio river twice.
2. The transfer of the Twenty-third Army Corps, 15,000 strong, with its artillery, trains, animals, and baggage, from
[133]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Clifton, Tennessee, by the Tennessee and Ohio rivers, and Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, to the Potomac, in eleven days, distance 1,400 miles. This movement began on January 15, 1865, within five days after the movement had been determined in Washington. It was continued, by water, to North Carolina, where, early in February, Wilmington was captured. On March 22, when the right wing of General Sherman's army reached Goldsboro, it found there the Corps which a short time prior had been encamped on the Tennessee.
The movement was much impeded by severe weather — rivers were blocked with ice, and railroads rendered hazardous by frost and snow.
3. The transfer, by water, of the Sixteenth Army Corps from Eastport, Tennessee, to New Orleans. The entire com- mand, including a brigade of artillery and a division of cavalry, consisted of 17,314 men, 1,038 horses, 2,371 mules, 351 wagons, and 83 ambulances. Three days were required to embark in on 40 steamers. The fleet sailed on February 9, 1865, and the command arrived at New Orleans on the 23d, a distance of 1,330 miles in 13 days.
4. The transfer by sea, from City Point, Virginia, to Texas of the Twenty-fifth Army Corps, 25,000 strong, with its artil- lery, ammunition, ambulances, wagons, harness, subsistence, and 2,000 horses and mules.
The embarkation took place between May 26 and June 17, 1865, and the debarkation, at Brazos Santiago, between June 13 and 26. The movement required a fleet of 57 ocean steamers. Entire tonnage — 56,987 tons. All of the vessels were provided for a 12-days' voj'age — 947 tons of coal and 50,000 gallons of water were consumed daily.
[i34]
THE MILITARY POWER OF THE UNITED STATES
While this expedition was afloat, other movements by sea in steam transports, aggregated more than 10,000 men, inclusive of 3,000 Confederate prisoners sent from Point Look- out to Mobile. Therefore there were more than 35,000 troops and prisoners afloat on the ocean at the same time.
5. From November 1, 1863, to October 31, 1864 — one year — 626,126 men were forwarded to the field, and 268,114 were returned to their homes on furlough and for discharge ; making the aggregate of the movement 887,240 — embracing, independently of recruits, 495 regiments and 119 batteries and companies. The following year the aggregate was 1,064,080, distributed to 1,126 regiments, 241 batteries, and 369 com- panies.
SUPPLYING THE ARMIES.
The army of General Sherman — embracing 100,000 men and 60,000 animals — was furnished with supplies from a base 360 miles distant by one single-track railroad located mainly in the country of an active enemy. The effort taxed and meas- ured forethought, energy, patience, and watchfulness, and is a most instructive lesson. The line was maintained for months, until Atlanta was secured, and supplies for a new campaign had been placed there. The army then moved southeast through Georgia, accompanied by thousands of beef cattle, and trains embracing 3,000 wagons filled with war supplies.
After the capture of Savannah, the command was promptly met at that place by a great fleet, conveying clothing, tentage, subsistence for soldiers and animals, wagons, harness, ammu- nition, and all else necessary for the march or in camp.
The necessary supplies were again in readiness at Kinston and Goldsboro through the agency of railroads constructed to
[i35]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Kinston and to Goldsboro from Wilmington and Morehead City — each of the two roads from the latter places, respectively, being 95 miles in length.
While the foregoing was being accomplished, other large armies in the East and West were as promptly and energetically supplied in all their wants.
During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1865, the demands for water transportation required a fleet of 719 vessels (351 steamers, 111 steam tugs, 89 sail vessels, 168 barges) aggre- gating 224,984 tons, at an average daily cost of $92,414.
MILITARY RAILROADS.
The President, by the Act of January 31, 1862 (General Order, No. 10, Adjutant General's Office of that year), was authorized to take military possession of all the railroads in the United States ; but it was not found necessary to exercise the authority over any of the roads outside the limits of insur- gent States.
The military railroad organization (under a Director and General Manager — funds for its support being supplied by the Quartermaster's Department), was designed to be a great con- struction and transportation machine for carrying out the objects of the commanding generals so far as it was adapted to the purpose, and it was managed solely with a view to efficacy in that direction. It was the duty of the Quartermas- ter's Department to load all the material upon the cars, to direct where such material should be taken and to whom deliv- ered. It then became the province of the railroad department to comply with said order in the shortest practicable time, and to perfect such arrangements as would enable it to keep the lines in repair under any and all circumstances.
During the war there were employed, 419 engines and 6,330 cars — 2,105 miles of track were operated, 642 miles laid, or relaid ; and twenty-six miles of bridges built, or rebuilt.
[136]
THE MILITARY POWER OF THE UNITED STATES
The greatest number of men employed at the same time aggregated 24,964.
The cost of construction and operating amounted to $42,464,142.55.
The Chattahoochee bridge, 780 feet long and 92 feet high, was completely built in 4^ days by 600 men.
The Etowah bridge, 625 feet long, 75 feet high, was burned, and was rebuilt by the labor of 600 men of the construction corps, in six days.
In October, 1864, Hood's army reached the rear of Sher- man's forces, first at Big Shanty, afterward north of Resaca, destroying in the aggregate, 35^ miles of track, and 455 lineal feet of bridges. Twenty-five miles of track and 230 feet of bridges were reconstructed and trains were run over the distance in 7^ days. In thirteen days after Hood left the line, trains were running over the entire length.
Numerous other wonderful efforts are of record but the fore- going are sufficient to illustrate the speed with which the con- struction corps operated. Commanders had such confidence in it, that in advancing they were confident that the railroads in their rear would not fail to meet the wants of their com- mands. This confidence was most important in connection with lines of operations lengthened in depth, and resulted from the knowledge that ' ' none of the humanly possible precautious for basing ' ' an army had been neglected.
MILITARY TELEGRAPH.
Some 15,389 miles were constructed during the war, involv- ing a total expenditure of $3,219,400. At one time, in 1865, 8,334 miles were in operation. From May 1, 1861, to Decem- ber 1, 1862, the cost to maintain was $22,000 a month ; during
[i37]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
1863 and 1864 ^ averaged monthly, $38,500 and $93,500, respectively — the total for the year ending June 30, 1865, being $1,360,000.
It may be said that not far from 1,000,000,000 telegrams were transmitted during the war.
Thousands of messages were very lengthy, some embracing detailed reports of important operations — all generally covered urgent and important subjects.
The operations were under the charge of a Chief of Military Telegraphs — funds for support being furnished by the Quarter- master's Department.
SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT.
The amount disbursed during the fiscal years of the war was as follows :
From July 1, 1861, to June 30, 1862 . $48,799,521.14
From July 1, 1862, to June 30, 1863 . 69,537,582.78
From July 1, 1863, to June 30, 1864 . 98,666,918.50
From July 1, 1864, to June 30, 1865 . 144,782,969.41
From July 1, 1865, to June 30, 1866 . 7,518,872.54
Total $369,305,864.37
The figures indicate the magnitude of the responsibility involved in furnishing i( a constant, timely, and adequate sup- ply of subsistence for the several large armies occupying widely different fields of operations, as also for the troops at all the separate positions occupied throughout the entire country."
Good and wholesome rations were uniformly supplied, and no campaign, expedition, or movement failed on account of the inability of the department to meet all proper requirements.
[138]
THE MILITARY POWER OF THE UNITED STATES MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
Ample provision for the sick and wounded existed from the first. A maximum of 204 general hospitals, with a capacity of 136,894 beds, was reached. Field hospitals, hospital trans- ports and cars, ambulance corps, and purveying depots were kept in full condition for all requirements. Aside from the vast accommodations elsewhere, Sherman's army found at Savannah four first-class sea-going steamers complete in all respects as hospital transports, with extra supplies for 5,000 beds, had it been necessary to establish large hospitals on his line of operations.
The personnel embraced appointments of 547 surgeons and assistants of volunteers ; 5,991 regimental surgeons and assistants ; 75 acting staff-surgeons ; and 5,532 acting assistant surgeons, an aggregate from first to last of 12,145 medical officers.
PAY DEPARTMENT.
From early June to October 31, 1865, the large amount of $270,000,000 was paid to more than 800,000 disbanded officers and men of the volunteer armies. To October 20, 1866, the numbers were increased to $490,000,000, and 1,020,000 officers and men. The labor involved in the payments was stupendous. Particularly as to the payments, chiefly within the three months of June, July, and August, 1865, the immensity of the undertaking, both as to funds and men, has not a place in the history of armies.
The Government had an abundance of money wherewith to meet its sacred obligations, and the Pay Department kept its pledge ' ' to make prompt payment in the shortest practicable time. ' '
[ i39 1
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Brevet Major General Brice, Paymaster-General, in speaking of the results has said :
I am enabled to reiterate the unprecedented result, that since July, 1861, in the expenditure of one thousand and eighty-three millions of dollars disbursed by this department in minute sums, and surrounded by difficulties and hazards, the total cost to the Government in expenses and losses of every character, cannot in the worst possible event, exceed three-fourths of one per cent.
Surely this is a cost most wonderfully cheap for the execu- tion of duties so important and responsible.
It is much questioned if there is another instance on record of public disbursement so cheaply performed.
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT.
The resources of the country for the production of arms and munitions of war had not more than begun their develop- ment in June, 1863. Then, however, they were extensive, as indicated by the following :
Name of Articles.
Siege and Sea-coast Artillery ....
Field Artillery
Fire-arms for Infantry
Fire-arms for Cavalry
Sabres
Cannon Balls and Shells
I,ead and I^ead Bullets, in pounds .
Cartridges for Artillery
Cartridges for small arms
Percussion caps 19
Friction primers
Gunpowder, in pounds
Saltpetre, in pounds
Accoutrements for Infantry ....
Accoutrements for Cavalry
Equipments for Cavalry horses . . . Artillery Harness (double)
1,052
231
437,433
31,268
16,933
363,591
301.766
28,248
292,300
,808 000
S3.425
110.584
923,348
10,930
4,320
574
586
1,064
2,734
i-95o,i44
338,128
337,555
2,562.744
71,776,774
2,738,746
522,204,816
769,475,ooo
7,004,709
13,424,363
5231,731
1,831.300
194.466
216,658
18,666
2,oS8
2,481
1,551.576
327,170
271,817
1,745,586
50,054,515
2,274,490
378,584,104
715,036,470
6,08^,505
13071.073
None.
1 680,220
196,298
211,670
17,485
484
836.001
42.226
82,671
1,180,749
23,024.025
492.504
151,913,012
74,246,530
1.005 629
1,463,874
8,155.079
162,010
2,498
5.562
1,767
L mo]
THE MILITARY POWEB OV Till' UNITED STATES
When the war began the Government was forced to obtain from foreign countries almost the entire supply of arms and munitions, but in 1863, it became independent, through home resources, both for the manufactured articles and the material composing them.
From January 1,1861, for a period of five and one-half years inclusive of the entire war, the department provided for the military service — exclusive of immense quantities of parts for repairing and other purposes — the following :
7,892 cannons. 11,787 artillery carriages. 6,335,295 artillery projectiles (shot and shell). 6,539,999 pounds of grape and cannister shot. 2,862,177 rounds of fixed artillery ammunition. 2,477,655 small arms, (muskets, rifles, carbines, and pis- tols) . 544,475 swords, sabres, and lances. 2,146,175 complete sets of infantry accoutrements. 216,371 complete sets of cavalry accoutrements. 539,544 complete of horse equipments.
28,164 sets of two-horse artillery harness. 732,526 horse blankets. 1,022,176,474 cartridges for small arms. 1,220,555,435 percussion caps for small arms. 10,281,305 cannon primers. 4,226,377 fuses for shell. 26,440,054 pounds of gunpowder.
6,395,152 pounds of nitre. 90,416,295 pounds of lead in pigs and bullets.
[141]
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and [,266 privates, with labors extending to the me <
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fiance. In some departm . general scouting, courier .
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changes and movements of the enemy and conwrctin Army and Navy when employed in combined operations enabling the two branches of th : Oftentimes the services were of vital irr. ;<. ■ information that could not h; '
as referred to by General Sherman
When the enemy had cut our wires and actually made a lodgment on our railroad about Big Shanty, the signa. on Vinings Hill, Kenesaw, and Alatoona sent my orders to General Corse at Rome, whereby General Corse was enabJed to reach Alatoona just in time t. it Had it not been
for the services of this corps on that occasion I am. satisfied! me would have lost the garrison at Alatoona, a most valuable depository of provisions there, which was worth to us and the country more than the aggregate expen.se of the whole Signal Corps for one year.
Again, the late Bri^. - General IM Officer ts *aid of the Signal Corps that it :
Opened the first direct communication from the mopes with the lower Mississippi when P -■. --A: v. -x. past the batteries of Port Hndson,. found himself after the perilous passage cut off above that footless from the ressefis of his fleet, which could not fclkrw him and were lying: in the stream below.
: c .
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME CORPS OF ENGINEERS.
Aside from contributing .from its members to the command of armies the officers of the corps were charged with important labors in connection with the defenses of Washington and other important places ; the reconnaissance of positions held by the enemy ; the investment of cities and towns ; the forti- fying of important points on railroads ; the construction of offensive and defensive fortifications necessary to the march of large armies ; the maneuvering of pontoon trains ; surveys for the armies in the field, and the sea coast and lake defenses.
The ability and efficiency of its officers were notably illus- trated in the construction of the pontoon bridge (exclusive of 200 feet of trestle work) over 2,000 feet long — the main part in deep water, in some places 85 feet — across the James above Fort Powhatan, by 450 men in five hours, between 5 and 10 o'clock p. m., on June 15, 1864. Over this single frail struc- ture passed — mainly in forty hours — the army, about 100,000 men, under Lieutenant General Grant, with cavalry, artillery, and infantry, and trains embracing about 5,000 wagons, besides 3,000 beef cattle, without an accident to an individual man or animal. This movement, one of the most important on record, took place during the fifth epoch of the grand cam- paign from the Rapidan to the James which opened May 4, 1 864.
SIGNAL SERVICE.
This valuable adjunct to the Army was composed in 1865 of 102 officers, 66 acting officers, 84 non-commissioned officers,
[ 142 ]
THE MILITARY POWER OF THE r.XITKU STATKS
and 1,266 privates, with labors extending to the use of the portable field telegraph lines, aerial telegraphy, and telescopic reconnaissance. In some departments the members performed general scouting, courier, guide, aide, and secret-service duties. It was particularly valuable in observing and reporting the changes and movements of the enemy and connecting the Army and Navy when employed in combined operations, thus enabling the two branches of the service to act as a unit. Oftentimes the services were of vital importance by furn shing information that could not have been had otherwise, notably, as referred to by General Sherman, as follows :
When the enemy had cut our wires and actually made a lodgment on our railroad about Big Shanty, the signal officers on Vinings Hill, Kenesaw, and Alatoona sent my orders to General Corse at Rome, whereby General Corse was enabled to reach Alatoona just in time to defend it. Had it not been for the services of this corps on that occasion I am satisfied we would have lost the garrison at Alatoona, a most valuable depository of provisions there, which was worth to us and the country more than the aggregate expense of the whole Signal Corps for one year.
Again, the late Brigadier- General Myer, as Chief Signal Officer, has said of the Signal Corps that it :
Opened the first direct communication from the upper with the lower Mississippi when Rear-Admiral Farragut, running past the batteries of Port Hudson, found himself after the perilous passage cut ofF above that fortress from the vessels of his fleet, which could not follow him and were lying in the stream below.
" [ MS ]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
There is not, perhaps, on record, a feat of aerial telegraphy such as that thus and then performed, when from the topmast of the flagship of the Admiral, lying above the fort, messages were regularly transmitted past the guns of the fortress to a station on the mast-top of the war vessel Richmond five or six miles below.
r 144 ]
The War Hospitals
By JOHN WELLS BULKL.EY Surgeon in charge of Patent Office Hospital
*N presenting this brief sketch of the hospitals of Washington and their conduct during the period of the Civil War, I am pre- vented, because of the limited space allotted, from making even a passing reference to the many scenes of pathos and heroic bravery enacted within their walls. What I am able to give will be, therefore, more in the nature of a summary than an attempt to do justice to the
countless incidents crowded into the four blood}- 3-ears of our
civil strife.
The following list will show the capacity of the general
hospitals in this city and vicinity on December 17, 1S65 :
No. of beds. No. occupied.
Armory Square, Washington 1,000 690
Carver, Washington 1,300 722
Campbell, Washington . . 900 633
Columbian, Washington 844 538
Douglas, Washington 400 203
Emory, Washington 900 645
Finley, Washington 1,061 755
DH. J. W". BULKLET
[r47]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
No. of beds. No. occupied.
Freedman, Washington 72 72
Hare wood, Washington 2,000 1,207
Judiciary Square, Washington 510 311
Kalorama, Washington 434 54
Lincoln, Washington 2,575 2,012
Mount Pleasant, Washington 1,618 898
Ricord, Washington 120 107
Stanton, Washington 420 266
Stone, Washington 170 139
Seminary, Georgetown 121 13
Augur, near Alexandria 668 403
Claremont, Alexandria 164 34
L'Ouverture, Alexandria 717 617
First Division, Alexandria 753 669
Second Division, Alexandria 998 856
Third Division, Alexandria 1,350 1,198
Fairfax Seminary, Virginia 936 373
U. S. General, Point Lookout, Md. . . . 1,400 450
21,426 13,865
After the first battle of Bull Run, the inadequacy of hospital accommodations in the District of Columbia was clearly appar- ent. Indeed at the breaking out of the war, the Washington Infirmary, then under charge of Columbian College, was the only hospital available in the District. It was a brick build- ing, three stories high, with three white wings, and walls rough-coated, in imitation of stone, on E Street, in the rear of the Court House, on Judiciary Square. It was erected origin- ally as a jail in 1804, at least twenty years before work was begun on the Court House. Upon the removal of the jail to the " Blue Jug " in the northeast corner of Judiciary Square, the medical department of Columbian College took up its quar-
[148]
THE WAR HOSPITALS
ters in the Washington Infirmary in the year 1844, assuming the name of the National Medical College.
When the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment was mobbed in Baltimore in April, 1861, the wounded of that command were taken to this infirmary, which was used as a military hospital from that date until it was destroyed by fire on November 3, 1 86 1. During the greater part of that time Dr. W. J. H. White, an assistant surgeon of the United States Army, was in charge. The demands upon the hospital, however, soon became so great that additional accommodations were required, and shortly after the E Street Baptist Church was pressed into sendee as an adjunct, with Dr. White in charge. Its use was continued until December 26, 1861, when, on the burning of the infirmary, the school building in Judiciary Square, be- tween F and G Streets, and facing on Fifth Street, was opened by Dr. White, and saw sendee until the following January. It became necessary after the destruction of the infirmary to convert the dwelling known as 461 E Street into a hospital, and its occupancy continued until the following January. In order to meet the requirements of the situation various public buildings were made into barracks and hospitals, and even the Capitol was used as a huge storehouse for flour and provisions of war, as well as for quartering of troops. From September 20 to November, 1862, Surgeon Edward Shippen, U. S. V., conducted a hospital within the marble halls of that immense structure. As with the Capitol so was it with other public buildings. From time to time soldiers had been assigned to the northwest wing of the Patent Office building, and then in turn it was made a resting place for the sick, wounded, and dying soldiers. Its use under the name of the Patent Office
[ 149]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Hospital was continued from October, 1861, to March, 1863. The surgeons in charge were Drs. John Wells Bulkley, John N. Green, J. C. C. Downing, J. J. Woodward, A. Thompson, J. D. Robinson, and G. W. Hoover.
The churches, too, irrespective of creed, were used for simi- lar purposes, among them Ascension (Episcopal), then on the south side of H Street, between Ninth and Tenth Streets, from July, 1862, to March, 1863, with Surgeon J. C. Dorr, U. S. V., in charge ; the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, (now a Jewish Synagogue) , on Eighth Street, between H and I Streets, N. W., also in charge of Dr. Dorr from July, 1862, for several months; Epiphany (Episcopal), on G Street, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth Streets, from July to December, 1862, in charge of Surgeon James Bryan, U. S. V. ; and the Unitarian Church (now Police Court building, Sixth and D Streets), which then was known as Cranch Hospital, and was occupied from August to November, 1862, Edward Brooks, Assistant Surgeon, U. S A., and A. Wynkoop, Surgeon, U. S. V., being in charge. Ryland (Methodist Episcopal), on Tenth and D Streets, S. W., was similarly used from July, 1862, to January, 1863, having during that period J. Nichols, V. B. Hubbard, and R. O. Abbott in charge. The Union (Methodist Episcopal), on Twentieth Street, between Pennsyl- vania Avenue and H Street, was so occupied from July to December, 1862, with W. H. Butler, assistant army surgeon, in charge. Trinity (Episcopal), on Third and C Streets, N. W., from July, 1862, to April, 1863, with G. W. Hatch and P. O. Williams, assistant army surgeons, in charge, was also used, as well as the Fourth Presbyterian, on Ninth, near G Street, N. W., from July, 1862, to March, 1863 ; and the
[150]
Tin-: WAR HOSPITALS
Presbyterian Church, on Bridge Street, Georgetown, from September 5, 1862, to December, 1862, with B. A. Clements and Bolivar Knickerbocker in charge ; also Dumbarton ( Methodist Episcopal) Georgetown, from October, 1862, to January, 1863, with H. L. Burnett and A. E. Caruthers in charge ; Trinity (Catholic), on Ljngan Street, Georgetown, from October, 1862, to January, 1863, with M. F. Bowers, army surgeon, One Hundred and Thirteenth Pennsj-lvania Regiment, and R. O. Abbott, surgeon, U. S. A., in charge. Finally the Ebenezer (Methodist Episcopal), now Fourth Street, East Washington, from July to December, 1862, with W. E. Waters and S. A. H. McKim in charge ; Grace (Episcopal), D and Eighth Streets, S. W., from July to December, 1862, with the surgeons who attended Ryland Hospital, in charge, and the Thirteenth Street (First) Baptist (now Builders' Exchange), opened and closed with Epiphany.
Drs. W. S. Jandt and W. E. Waters, from July, 1862, to March, 1863, conducted a hospital in what was known as Cas- pari's Hotel, a three-story brick house on A Street, between New Jersey Avenue and First Street, S. E. After its use for that purpose it was demolished to make room for the further extension of the Capitol grounds.
In May, 1861, there was opened on First Street, between C and D Streets, N. E., a smallpox hospital, or hospital for eruptive diseases. Assistant Surgeon R. J. Thomas was in charge, and one of the nurses was Mrs. Ada Spurgeon. The building was a private residence and its smallpox and other patients having been removed to the Kalorama Hospital, wards were added to it and its name was changed to the C Street Hospital. It was under the direction of Dr. T. M.
[<5i]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Getty, U. S. A., whose successor. Dr. A. L. Ingraham, served until August, 1 86 1, when the hospital doors were closed.
The old Kalorama mansion, then in an apparent wilderness, but now in the heart of the fashionable residence section of the city, was used as the eruptive fever hospital, and upon its grounds were erected frame wards and tents. Dr. Thomas served as its director until December, 1865, followed by Dr. Thomas McKenzie, until June, 1866, and Dr. Alfred Thomas until December of the same year.
At the northwest corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Fourteenth Street was Desmarre's Eye and Ear Hospital, in what was known as the Hill residence. It was under the supervision of Surgeon General John S. Hildreth, U. S. V., from March, 1863, to December, 1865. As the demands increased it became necessary to use not only the house itself, but the vacant ground in the vicinity was also utilized for hospitals and tents.
At the intersection of Virginia Avenue and D Street, west of Sixth Street, S. W., was Island Hall Hospital, with Dr. William Hayes, U. S. V., in charge, in July, 1862, and he continued to direct it until the March following.
The site where now stands the Tremont House was used as a hospital from July, 1862, to April, 1863. It had been the home of the National Era, and from it was first published the National Reptiblican.
Dr. S. A. H. McKim, in July, 1862, opened the Odd Fel- lows' Hall on Eighth Street, between G and I Streets, S. E., as a hospital. His successor was Dr. W. E. Waters, assistant surgeon, U. S. A. The main halls, as well as the lodge room, w7ere used as wards.
[ 152]
THE WAR HOSPITALS
During the early part of the War, the Sixty-ninth New York Regiment was quartered in the building of Georgetown College, which first was used as a hospital under the care of Assistant Surgeon B. A. Clements, U. S. A., on September 5, 1862. It was closed on February 1, 1863, J. Morris Browne, assist- ant surgeon, U. S. A., being then in charge.
Surgeons Clements and M. F. Bowers, from September to October, 1862, conducted a hospital in Water's Warehouse, on High Street, below Bridge or M Street, Georgetown.
The good people of the congregation of St. Aloysius erected a hospital by that name, in October, 1862. The Government had in anticipation the use of the church for a hospital, but the congregation, to prevent the conversion of the edifice for that purpose, agreed to provide suitable quarters instead of the church. The proposition proving acceptable to the Govern- ment, there was erected on North Capitol, K,- L, and First Streets, N. W., one of the largest hospitals in Washington. Its operations continued for some years after the war.
Miss English had conducted for some time, at the north- west corner of Washington and Gay Streets, a seminary for young ladies. On June 30, 1861, this building became a hos- pital and continued to remain so until June 14, 1865. It was successively in charge of Joseph R. Smith, assistant surgeon, U. S. A., and Assistant Surgeons Josiah F. Kennedy, B. A. Clements, L. Wells, and H. W. Ducashet.
Hotels, as well as churches, schools, and private residences, opened their doors for the wounded, and Union Hospital proper, at the corner of Bridge, or M Street and Washington Street, Georgetown, was, in May, 1861, converted into a hos- pital, and so continued until March, 1863, under the charge of
[i53]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Drs. J. J. Gainslen, A. M. McLaren, R. O. Abbott, Josiah F. Kennedy, U. S. A., A. M. Clark and G. W. Stipp, U.S. V.
Many citizens will readily recall the attractive location of Columbian College, now Columbian University, on the high grounds of Fourteenth Street, in the neighborhood of Mount Pleasant. On this commanding site was established on July 14, 1 86 1, the Columbian College Hospital, consisting of wooden buildings and tents. Its surgeons were Eugene H. Abadie, U. S. A., Thomas C. Brainard, W. M. Notson, Charles Page, assistant surgeon, U. S. A., and Thomas R. Crosby, U. S. V. The use of the hospital was continued until June, 1865.
On the beautiful site where now stands St. Elizabeth's Hospital for the Insane, there was, from December, 2, 1862, to December, 1864, an army hospital known as St. Elizabeth's, occupying the then new east wing of the main building. Drs. C. H. Nichols, B. M. Stevens and E. Griswold, at various intervals, had charge of this establishment.
In June, 1 861, Assistant Surgeon J. V. D. Middleton, and in turn Drs. J. J. Porter, J. R. Gibson, G. U. Porter, U. S. A., and Alfred Delany were caring for the wounded in a post hos- pital known as Washington Barracks, located at the Arsenal.
As the demands of the war increased, and as its continuance for an indefinite time became more and more apparent, all varieties of buildings were offered to' the Government for hospitals, and in many instances private dwellings were taken for that purpose. This was the case with Desmarre's Eye and Ear Hospital, at the corner of Fourteenth Street and Massa- chusetts Avenue, which has already been mentioned.
Another excellent instance of the use of private dwellings may be found in the Douglas Hospital, a handsome residence
[i54]
THE WAR HOSPITALS
on Second and I Streets, N. W. Others also were used for the purpose indicated, notably the Stone residence, the home of William J. Stone, opposite the then Columbian College grounds. It was opened in April, 1862, and closed in June, 1865. The surgeons were Drs. B. E. Fryer, P. Glennan, C. A. McCall, and J. D. Richards.
The Douglas Hospital, to which reference has previously been made, was under the direction of Surgeon Abadie, U. S. A., and, in turn, Assistant Surgeons Warren Webster, Peter Pineo, William Thompson, and W. F. Morris, controlled its destinies. It was closed in September, 1865.
The Circle Hospital was established in September, 1861, and was in use for over a year, in charge of Surgeons L. H. Hol- den and Henry Bryant. Its location was south of Washington Circle, between Twenty-second and Twenty-third Streets.
Surgeons O. O. Judson, C. P. Russell, and P. S. Conner were in charge of the Carver Hospital, a collection of frame wards and tents, in the north corner of the site then occupied by the Columbian University.
In the suburbs, to the west of Columbia Road, was the Cliff - burne Hospital, where John S. Billings, assistant surgeon, U. S. A., and Henry Bryant, surgeon, U. S. V., attended the wounded and afflicted.
At no great distance from Cliffburne and on Mount Pleasant on the Holmead estate was a hospital of frame buildings and tents cared for by the following surgeons : Drs. B. E. Fryer, from April to July, 1862 ; C. A. McCall, to November, 1864, and Harrison Allen, to August, 1865. Mount Pleasant Hos- pital was in use for three years, from April, 1862, to August, 1865.
[155]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
The Government erected, a few years before the war, for the military companies of the District, a building on Sixth and B Streets, S. W. , now used b}^ the Fish Commission. It was originally designed for the National Guard Battalion. The United States Engineer Battalion from Willets Point, which took part in the Inauguration of President Lincoln, occupied this building from time to time.
In 1862, eight frame wards fronting on Seventh Street, were erected, and these, with the buildings, were known as the Armor}T Square Hospital, the whole being under the direction of Dr. D. W. Bliss, then a surgeon of a Michigan regiment, who afterwards become famous as surgeon-in-chief in charge of President Garfield during his last illness. Dr. Bliss was succeeded by Dr. C. C. Byrne and Dr. C. A. Leale.
Two of the most commodious hospital structures in the Dis- trict were the Emory Hospital, about one mile east of the Capitol, in the vicinity of the Alms House and Congressional Cemetry and the Lincoln Hospital also in that neighbor- hood.
The former was opened in September, 1862, and continued until July, 1865, under the direction of Drs. N. R. Mosely, W. Clendenin and W. E. Waters. Lincoln Hospital contained twenty-five wards or more, arranged en echelon. Upon its opening Surgeon Henry Bryant was in charge, and he was succeeded by Dr. G. S. Palmer, Harrison Allen, Robert Bar- tholow, J. Cooper McKee, and Webster Lindsley.
On the farm of W. W. Corcoran, on Seventh Street Road, near Soldiers' Home, was located Harewood, a makeshift of frame wards and tents. Its period of service was from Septem- ber, 1862, to May, 1866, under the successive charge of Sur-
[156]
THE WAR HOSPITALS
geon F. E. Mitchell, First Maryland Regiment, Dr. Thomas Antisell and Dr. Robert E. Bontecou.
On Boundary Street, at the northern limit of Fifth and Sixth streets, N. W., Surgeon Jedidiah H. Baxter, U. S. V., opened what was known as the Campbell Hospital, and continued in charge of it for a year. He was succeeded by Dr. A. F. Selden, U. S. V., who then remained until the hospital was closed in July, 1865, the buildings being transferred to the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, etc., and opened as Freedmen's Hospital.
The square between H and I and Second and Third Streets, N. W., was occupied by the Stanton Hospital, from December, 1862, to October, 1865. Drs. J. A. Lidell, G. A. Miersick, and B. B. Wilson, were the surgeons in the order named.
North of Boundary Street, on the Bladensburg Road, near Kendall Green, were a number of wards, supplemented by office and other buildings, and tents, designated as the Finley Hospital, in charge, from July, 1862, to 1865, of Drs. R. A. Bradley, Jr., and G. L. Pancoast.
Below are given the buildings used as hospitals in Alexan- dria, with their location : Bayne's residence, Water and King Streets ; Bellhaven Female Institute, Queen and St. Asaph Streets ; Mrs. Beverley's, Washington between Oronoco and Princess Streets ; a building on Cameron near Water Street ; Grace Church, Patrick Street ; Friends' Meeting House, St. Asaph and Wolfe Streets ; Methodist Episcopal Church, South ; Second Presbyterian Church ; St. Paul's Episcopal Church ; Commissary Hospital, Prince Street ; Mrs. Dainger-
[i57]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
field's, Wolfe and Pitt Streets ; Female Boarding School, "Washington, between Green and Cameron Streets ; W. H. Fowle's residence ; B. Hallowell's residence ; J. S. Hallowell's Female Seminary ; Rev. J. T. Johnson's, Prince Street near Columbus ; L'Ouverture, Washington and Prince Streets ; Lyceum, Washington and Prince Streets ; Mansion House ; McVeigh's residence, St. Asaph and Cameron Streets; and T. B. Robertson's residence, Prince and Columbia Streets.
I have endeavored to give in brief and condensed form some of the most important hospitals in operation at various periods during the war. Such as have been omitted are herewith sub- joined :
There was a United States Army Hospital in the Eckington or Gales Mansion, on the east side of the Bladensburg Road.
Among the general hospitals may be enumerated Ebenezer (Ebenezer Church) ; Ricord, same as Desmarre's ; and Gies- boro at Giesboro Point, D. C.
Among the Post Hospitals were : Camp Stoneman (Cavalry depot at Giesboro Point); Martindale barracks, at intersection of Pennsylvania and New Hampshire Avenues and Twenty- third Street, running to Twenty-second and I Streets ; Rush barracks, in White House grounds, south of Executive Man- sion ; Reynolds barracks, in White House grounds, south of Executive Mansion ; Camp Fry, same as Martindale barracks ; Sedgwick barracks, between Eighteenth and Nineteenth, M and N Streets ; Sherburne barracks, First and E Streets, S. E., at the intersection of North Carolina and New Jersey Avenues ; Russell, same as Sherburne ; Wise well, Seventh
[ 158 ]
THE WAR HOSPITALS
and 0 vStreets, running to P and Q Streets ; Camp Barry, artillery camp of instruction, Corcoran Farm, H Street, X.E., near the Toll Gate ; Camp Ohio Hospital, near Tennallytown, D. C. ; Williams barracks, same as Sedgwick barracks ; United States barracks, Eighth Street, S. E., near Navy Yard ; and Engineer Brigade Hospital, I Street, S. E.( near Navy Yard.
As may be readily supposed, during the early part of the war the hospital arrangements were anything but perfect, but in a comparatively little while, under strict military discipline, places that hitherto had hardly been deemed possibilities as abodes for the sick and wounded were made most acceptable and comfortable for those in need of medical and surgical advice. In a number of instances the surgeons encouraged for conva- lescent patients such amusements as would be of beneficial effect to their minds. Acting by amateurs of ability, singing and dancing, and diversified forms of amusement were intro- duced to help pass away the weary hours of hospital deten- tion. It is recalled that at the Campbell Hospital a theatrical party, under an actor named White, gave weekly entertain- ments which were attended by Senators, Representatives, and prominent Government dignitaries. Senator Poland, Eester Wallack, James E. Murdock, and Mrs. Mayo attended and were very complimentary in their comments upon the perform- ance and the actors. There were hours set aside for the reception of visitors. The hearts of the wounded were made glad by fruit, flowers, or reading matter, and a number of marriages grew out of these sympathetic visitations.
[i59]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
The church buildings in use as hospitals, with the excep- tion of a very few instances, may be easily recognized, but the barracks have almost altogether disappeared. The hospitals of the latter period of the war were vast improvements over those occupied during the early days of the struggle.
At the inception of the Civil War, when the sick in the regimental hospitals exceeded their capacity, residences in the neighborhood were usually turned into hospitals, and churches, factories and other large buildings were made into brigade or general hospitals.
The Medical and Surgical History of the War prepared under the direction of the Surgeon General of the United States Army is a fine exposition of this important branch of the military operations of the Civil War.
The first military hospitals opened were in Washington. The E Street Infirmary and the Union Hotel both received patients as early as May, 1861. Owing to the large movement of troops the demand for increased accommodations reached such proportions that it was necessary to enlarge the quarters of buildings occupied as hospitals by pitching tents in the immediate vicinity so as to form a series of elongated pa- vilions. At a later period the tents were replaced by long wooden pavilions. The best arrangement of these buildings on the ground and their design were made the subject of much study and experiment. Early during the war it was found that ridge-ventilated wooden sheds for hospital purposes resulted in maintaining a good ventilation without exposing the patients to draughts. It was found impossible to construct entirely new
[160]
THE WAR HOSPITALS
buildings in every instance, as the necessities of the times demanded that buildings abandoned as barracks should be used for hospital purposes. The defects in the construction of these buildings rendered them undesirable for such purposes, and their relative positions one to another constituted another objectionable feature. During the winter of i86i-'62, through the efforts of the Sanitary Commission, the Government was induced to begin the building of hospitals on the pavilion plan. The Judiciary Square and Mount Pleasant Hospitals were erected in accordance with that plan, and finished for occupa- tion in April, 1862. Each of these buildings consisted of an elongated central structure, on either side of which and at right angles to it were pavilion wards. In the central struc- ture or corridor were the bathrooms, water closets, water sinks, etc., so arranged that each ward was connected with its own conveniences. There were two sets of windows in each ward. The buildings were not ceiled nor plastered. It was soon recognized that this style of building was a failure for several reasons. Gradually the inclosed corridor gave place to a covered walk, open at the sides. Finally, the plan adopted as the most desirable was the erection of detached pavilions, which were to be arranged en echelon in two con- verging lines, forming a V, as was done with the Harewood and Lincoln Hospitals in this city, or as a half circle, or on lines parallel to each other, or in such other arrangement as the particular site required.
What I have submitted will prove to many unacquainted with the conditions during the Civil War a dry presentation of facts.
[161]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
To the old soldier, however, to those who, by reason of wounds or general disability, were compelled to undergo hos- pital treatment, the summary here given will, I believe, be interesting reading, recalling vividly memorable incidents in their lives and many memories associated with the trying scenes of our civil strife.
L162I
The Humanities of the War
GENERAL K. D. TO WNSEJSD
By WILLIAM JONES RHEES Archivist of the Smithsonian Institution
ATTLES, battle-fields, captains, commanders, deeds of daring or endurance are the topics mainly treated in this memorial of the war, but consideration is also required of another and equally important side of the conflict.
Many volumes and thousands of pages of official reports, biog- raphies, newspaper and maga- zine articles have recounted the work of those who aided the army by ministrations of love and charity and the self-sacrific- ing devotion of noble men and women whose services are equally entitled to honor and recognition as those who gave themselves in battle to preserve the Union and maintain our free republic.
The " humanities " may be considered as : Improvement of the sanitary condition of camps ; Provision for medical and surgical treatment ; Aid to the wounded and dying ;
Supplies of necessities and luxuries to camps and hospitals ; Reading matter furnished ;
Material for correspondent and facilities for forwarding mails ;
[165]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Preaching and religious and other services and personal con- versation ;
Publication of matter to arouse the sympathies and secure contributions from the public ;
Formation and preservation of sentiments of loyalty to the flag and Union ;
Aid to soldiers in securing their claims for compensation and pensions from the Government.
Necessarily many of these functions were performed by a number of different agencies and some of them by all, so that the recital of the work of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, the Christian Commission, the Sanitary Commission, etc., will be in some sense a repetition.
The leading features and events of the prominent organiza- tions will be given, and they will serve to illustrate the whole subject.
On April 12, 1861, a telegram was sent to the Governors of the Northern States that " The war is commenced. The bat- teries [at Charleston] began firing at 4 o'clock this morning. Major Anderson [from Fort Sumter] replied, and a brisk can- nonading commenced."
This startling intelligence was soon heard through the country and the appeal to arms was at once accepted, however much it had been deprecated.
Among the first to respond were the Ringgold Light Artillery of Reading, the Logan Guards of Lewistown, the Washington Artillery and National Light Infantry of Pottsville, and the Allen Rifles of Allentown, Pennsylvania. These companies proceeded to Harrisburgon April 16 and werejoined on the 18th by a detachment of 40 Regulars of Company H, Fourth Artil- lery. The five companies were mustered into the service of
[166]
THE HUMANITIES OF THE WAR
the United States, and with the few regulars left Harrisburg at 9 o'clock on the morning of April 18, the latter proceeding to Fort McHenry. The others arrived in Baltimore at i o'clock in the afternoon and marched across that city, passing through an immense mob of sullen and angry men. It is an interesting fact that of these five companies of soldiers, only thirty-four men had muskets and there was not a single charge of powder. The men placed percussion caps in their guns and by showing a bold front intimidated the crowd who had not then reached the decision which led to open violence on the day following. At 7 o'clock on the evening of April i8, the head of the grand column of two million of men who were afterward mus- tered in and marched in their footprints arrived in Washington and were quartered in the United States Capitol building. Here they were furnished with arms, ammunition, and equip- ments, and the work at once begun of barricading the Capitol with barrels of cement and large sheets of boiler iron.
As early as March 18, i86r, a resolution was adopted by the Washington Young Men's Christian Association to provide for the distribution of tracts among the regular soldiers then in the city.
As soon, therefore, as the Pennsylvania volunteers arrived in April the Association provided them with Testaments and tracts, appointed a special missionary, Rev. O. P. Pitcher, to visit them, invited them to call at the rooms of the Association, on Pennsylvania Avenue, between Sixth and Seventh Streets, and by means of a system of districting the city already estab- lished, secured attention to every camp and, subsequently, every hospital and depot. A special committee was appointed by the Association, consisting of Messrs. William J. Rhees, Henry Beard, and Nicholas Dubois, to take charge of the distribution
L 167 ] "^
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
of secular and religious publications to the army, and this com- mittee engaged heartily in thewOrk and continued it during the war.
A supply of newspapers and other periodicals from all parts of the country was procured for the Association reading rooms through the liberality of the publishers. The exchanges of the Eve?iing Star were freel}' furnished and papers wTere received from the postmasters of the Senate and House of Representa- tives.
Arrangements were made with the American Tract Societies of Boston and New York, the Massachusetts Sabbath School Society of Boston, the Washington Bible Society, the Metho- dist Publishing House, and others, to supply books, tracts, and papers for the army.
A large room (No. 22 J was granted in the Post Office Department for the deposit and shipment of literature and was in charge of Rev. J. W. Alvord, of the Boston Tract Society, and Mr. William J. Rhees, of the Washington Young Men's Christian Association.
The defeat of Bull Run on Sunday, July 21, caused intense excitement through the country and on the third morning after, Mr. Vincent Colyer and Mr. F. W. Ballard arrived in Washington as delegates from the New York Young Men's Christian Association. They spent several weeks with others in inspecting the camps and distributing literature. Mr. Colyer's labors were noteworthy and gratuitous. He gave up his business and devoted himself entirely to the work.
Other cities sent members to aid in a work which evidently had grown far beyond the ability of the men in Washington to meet.
A resolution was adopted August 19, 1861. by the Associa- tion to welcome the committee of the Young Men's Christian
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THE HUMANITIES OF THE WAR
Association of New York and the Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance (Rev. Mr. Goss) to the city and to offer them hearty <;o-operation and assistance in their plans and labors for pro- moting the spiritual and temporal comfort of the soldiers of our army.
The Massachusetts Sabbath School Society, besides other matter, published six books in small flexible covers, called Pocket Companion for Soldiers, also a Soldier's Pocket Com- panion, in six volumes, which its agents and the Young Men's Christian Association distributed by the thousands free to -camps and hospitals.
The Boston Tract Society published The Knapsack Book and a periodical called The Banner. These were handsomely printed with patriotic covers in colors, and made very attract- ive, in strong contrast to the old style of religious tracts. When shown to General Scott he examined them carefully and ;said : " Why, these are soldiers' books, and these are the things we want. God bless you in your work, and if you want any help come to me."
The New York Young Men's Christian Association issued a Soldier's Hymn Book in June, 1861, which had an immense circulation.
The Government gave every facility in the use of the mails for the distribution of this army literature. All that the military mail-bags would hold, over what was required for the letters, were filled with it, and they were sent to ever}' part of the army for a single cent. They were called Soldier's rations or -Gospel rations.
The entire Army of the Potomac was reached once a week with the packages. In every tent, distribution was made on •Sunday morning.
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WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
During the year 1862 alone 29,745,495 pages were distributed, representing a cost of $26,000.
The American Tract Society reported that it distributed in Washington alone :
Bibles 87,232
Hymn books 1,000
Library books 1,650
Magazines 300
Religious newspapers 307,459
Tracts — pages 10,000
Rev. O. P. Pitcher's work included the distribution of : Scriptures in English, German, French,
Italian, and Spanish 28,177
Religious papers 155,898
Books and pamphlets 11,855
Pages of tracts 1,773,261
Religious services held !>498
Visits, exclusive of meetings 1,181
Miles traveled 5,240
These were the labors of one man and in the District of Columbia and neighborhood.
Rev. C. P. Lyford, missionary, of the Washington Young Men's Christian Association, reported in March, 1863, a dis- tribution of 10,000 books and 1,459,520 pages of tracts, and that he had held 265 services and traveled 930 miles in six months.
Besides at the regular camps, services were held and books and papers were distributed to teamsters and ambulance drivers in their encampment at the headquarters on Twentieth Street ; to the quartermaster's men in the dining-room of the carpen- ter's mess-house on G near Twenty-first Street ; in Nixon's ampitheatre, at Camp Barry, northeast of city ; at the Soldiers'
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THE HUMANITIES OF TIIJv WAR
Rest ; and the quartermaster's hospital on Seventeenth near M Street.
The Washington City Young Men's Christian Association took an active and continuous part in the great work for the soldiers of the Republic, rendered especially necessary from its location at the Capital, and the large numbers of soldiers called for its protection. There were more than 200,000 soldiers in Camp Distribution on Arlington Heights,- and 270,000 soldiers occupied the Soldiers' Rest near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad station during a single year.
A conference of Mr. V. Colyer, Mr. Mitchell H. Miller, (the President of the Washington Association) and Mr. Wil- liam Ballantyne resulted in the issuing of a call for a special convention of the Young Men's Christian Association of the United States, which was held in the rooms of the New York Association, on November 14-16, 1861. The delegates from Washington were Richard T. Morsell and William Ballantyne, the latter being chosen as a secretary of the Convention. A Christian Commission of twelve members was then organized with Mr. George H. Stuart, of Philadelphia, as chairman, and Mr. Mitchell H. Miller, the President of the Washington Young Men's Christian Association, as a member.
The Commission encountered peculiar difficulties in Washing- ton. A large portion of the population, especially in the earlier stages of the war, was in sympathy with the Southern cause and a practical indifference characterized many others. The sojourners there, always numerous, in pursuit mainly of polit- ical or personal ends, did not care to identify themselves with any benevolent, least of all with any religious, movement. That there were active Christian workers in all these classes it is gratifying to testify, and they increased alike in numbers and
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activity as the society at the Capital became purged ot disloyalty.
The Commission at first seems to have been regarded by the public with general indifference. There were numerous appli- cants for favor in the Tract, Publication, and Sunday School Societies, the Sanitary Commission, and the various local societies that started up all over the country which proposed looking after the troops from their several States or communi- ties. Opposition and indifference gradually gave way to confidence and aid.
It was distinctly seen that there was a great opportunity and necessity for temporal and spiritual ministration to the soldiers, and there was an earnest Christian and patriotic desire to be of service to the army and the nation, but there was an absence of that practical knowledge which could only come through actual experience.
While some of the officers of the Army and some Government officials were indifferent or antagonistic, the Commission had the support of the President and many of the leading men and gradually overcame all opposition.
President Lincoln said, in a letter of December 12, 1861, " Your Christian and benevolent undertaking for the benefit of the soldiers is too obviously proper and praiseworthy to admit any difference of opinion. I sincerely hope your plan may be as successful in execution as it is just and generous in con- ception."
The Secretary of War, Mr. Stanton, ordered "that every facil- ity consistent with the exigencies of the service will be afforded to the Christian Commission for the performance of their reli- gious and benevolent purposes in the armies of the United States, and in the forts, garrisons, camps, and military posts."
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THE HUMANITIES OF THE WAS
President Lincoln frequently contributed to its funds. Dur- ing the progress of the work the Commission received from the city of Washington the sum of $25,039.62, and other donations to the value of $26,620, being a total of $51,659.62.
The Government gave encouragement to the Commission by free passes on railroads and steamers, and permits were issued to its members to visit every part of the army.
The Commission sent nearly five thousand delegates into the field, each one giving at least six weeks' time to the army work without compensation, and its total receipts and dis- bursements during the war reached nearly six million dollars. It distributed a million and a half Bibles and Testaments and hymn books, thirty-nine million pages of tracts, eight million Knapsack Books, and eighteen million papers and magazines.
Mr. William Ballantyne, who had direct charge of the work in Washington, deserves credit for more active and efficient religious work for the army in this section than any other man.
The first anniversary of the Christian Commission was held on January 29, 1863, in the Academy of Music, Philadelphia. Addresses were delivered by George H. Stuart, Rev. Robert Patterson, Bishop Matthew Simpson, Col. S. M. Bowman, W. E. Dodge, and former Governor James Pollock.
The second anniversary of the Christian Commission was held in the hall of the House of Representatives. Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, presided, and President Lincoln, Vice-President Hamlin, and members of the Cabinet, Chief Justice Chase, Admiral Farragut, and many members of Con- gress attended. Addresses were made by Secretary Seward, George H. Stuart, Gen. M. R. Patrick, Gen. C. B. Fiske, and others. Chaplain McCabe sang The Battle Hymn of the
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Republic, and Philip Phillips Your Mission, by special request of President Lincoln.
Both songs thrilled the audience and were accompanied with manifestations of extraordinary emotion — the first stirring every heart like the blast of a trumpet, and the second by its tenderness and pathos suffusing all eyes with tears. It was noticed that President Lincoln rose with the throng and joined heartily in the chorus of the Battle Hymn, and that while Mr. Phillips was singing he shared fully in the emotions of those around him.
As appropriate to this occasion the words of the last song are
here given.
YOUR MISSION.
By Mrs. Ellen Huntington Gates.
If you cannot on the ocean
Sail among the swiftest fleet, Rocking on the highest billows,
Laughing at the storms you meet ; You can stand among the sailors,
Anchor'd yet within the bay, You can lend a hand to help them,
As they launch their boats away.
If you are too weak to journev
Up the mountain, steep and high ; You can stand within the valley,
While the multitudes go by ; You can chant in happy measure,
As they slowly pass along, Though they may forget the singer.
They will not forget the song.
If you have not gold and silver
Ever ready to command ; If you cannot towards the needy
Reach an ever open hand ; You can visit the afflicted,
O'er the erring you can weep, You can be a true disciple,
Sitting at the Saviour's feet.
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THR HUMANITIES OF THE WAR
If you cannot, in the harvest,
Garner up the richest sheaves, Many a grain, both ripe and golden,
Will the careless reapers leave ; Go and glean among the briers,
Growing rank against the wall, For it may be that their shadow
Hides the heaviest wheat of all.
If you cannot in the conflict
Prove yourself a soldier true, If, where fire and smoke are thickest,
There's no work for you to do ; When the battlefield is silent
You can go with careful tread, You can bear away the wounded,
You can cover up the dead.
Do not, then, stand idly waiting
For some greater work to do ; O, improve each passing moment,
For our moments may be few. Go and toil in any vineyard,
Do not fear to do or dare ; If you want a field of labor
You cau find it anywhere.
A meeting of the Christian Commission was held Sunday evening, February 22, 1863, in the hall of the House of Repre- sentatives by special vote of the House. Chief Justice Chase presided and addresses were made by Gen. O. O. Howard, Admiral A. H. Foote, Hon. Horace Maynard, former Governor J. Pollock, Rev. W. J. R. Taylor, Rev. J. T. Duryea, G. H. Stuart, and Joseph Patterson.
The annual meeting of the Christian Commission was held in Washington in the E Street Baptist Church on January 26, 1865, and the delegates called on President Lincoln and extended their thanks to him for furthering their work.
In response, Mr. Lincoln disclaimed any title to thanks for what he had done. " Nor do I know," said he, " that I owe
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you any thanks for what you have done. We have all been laboring for a common end. You feel grateful for what I have done — that is right ; and I certainly feel grateful for what you have done — that is right ; and yet in the fact that we have been laboring for the same end, the preservation of our country and the welfare of its defenders, has been our motive and joy and reward."
The fourth and last anniversary was held on Sunday even- ing, February n, 1866, in the hall of the House of Represent- atives, on which occasion Speaker Colfax presided. Letters were read from Secretaries Stanton, Seward, and Chase, Gen- erals Grant, Sherman, Meade, Howard, Patrick, Hancock, Thomas, Burnside, Butler, Ord, Barnes, and Meigs, and Admiral Farragut.
Addresses were made by Speaker Colfax, Charles Demoud, Admiral C. H. Davis, Rev. Herrick Johnson, Senator Doo- little, General Augur, Rev. B. W. Chidlaw, and Bishop Simp- son. The great feature of the meeting was the singing by Philip Phillips, of Your Mission, and a new song by Mrs. Ellen Huntington Gates, entitled, Home of the Soul. The Hutchinson family, the most famous singers of war times, sang two of their songs embodying the sentiment, "I live for the good I can do," and " There's a good time coming."
The idea of a Sanitary Commission first came to the official notice of the Government through a letter written in June, 1861, by Dr. R. C. Wood, then acting Surgeon General, to the Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. In this letter Dr. Wood suggested the appointment of a commission of inquiry and advice in respect to the sanitary interests of the United States forces. Such a commission was made necessary by the pres- sure which the sudden and large increase of the army had im- posed upon the Medical Bureau. It was not intended to inter-
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THE HUMANITIES OF THE WAR
fere with the existing medical organization of the army, but to co-operate with and strengthen it.
The Commission was organized on June 16, 1861, with the following officers : Rev. Henry W. Bellows, president ; Alex- ander Dallas Bache, vice-president ; George Templeton Strong, treasurer ; Dr J. Foster Jenkins, secretary ; and Drs. J. S. New- berry, J. N. Douglas, and F. N. Knapp, associate secretaries. The standing committee met quarterly in Washington, but daily in New York City.
The first business was to improve the sanitary condition of camps, quarters, hospitals, and men, all of whom were sadly in need of such attention. There was for a time well-grounded fear of epidemics breaking out in many of the camps on account of the inefficiency of inexperienced officers and the general neglect of sanitary measures and precautions. A visible improvement was soon exhibited.
No military resources, however well directed, could ade- quately provide relief for the thousands of brave men who were sinking under the fatigue and privations of the march or stricken down in fields of battle.
In this emergency the noble, heaven-prompted associations of the Christian and Sanitary Commissions offered the channels through which the oil and wine of soothing kindness and strengthening cheer flowed from the plenty of homes to the need of the sick and wounded.
As the war advanced other duties devolved upon the Sani- tary Commission. The Government was doing all that was possible but this was not enough to satisfy the people. They wished to supply the soldiers who were their sons, brothers, fathers or kinsmen with as many of their home comforts and home attentions as could possibly be engrafted upon army life. With this view they sent large quantities of food, fruit,
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WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
delicacies, and appliances for the sick and wounded, much of which had been spoiled by remaining undelivered in the depots or storehouses for want of adequate and organized means of distribution. The means of correspondence and the furnishing of reading matter were also prominent features of the work of the Commission.
Mention should be made of the Nurses' Homes in Washington.
These homes proved a source of immense relief to nurses arriving in the city or to those worn down by service at the hospitals and needing a few days of quiet and rest, as well as to wives and mothers of soldiers who were seeking their husbands and sons in hospitals. Many of these arriving in the city were ignorant of the cost of the journey and of board even for a day or two, and weary and almost broken-hearted, were cared for at these homes. A number of refugees also, mothers and children, were received, warmed, and clothed.
The Sanitary Commission also established a Free Pension Agency, which was of great value, saving the soldiers im- mense trouble and expense.
Of the splendid work done by the Commission at the close of many battles when medical supplies could not be had through the regular channels it has been well said :
The pangs of consuming thirst and raging fever there allevi- ated, the agonizing pains relieved, the tender and home-like nursing extended, what pen can do justice to them — who can estimate the priceless relief thus administered !
From 1 86 1 to 1866 the Sanitary Commission distributed stores and supplies amounting in value to five and a half mil- lion dollars. It accomplished innumerable reforms in the med- ical service, published large numbers of treatises on the sources of sickness in armies and the means of avoiding and treating
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THE HUMANITIES OB THE WAR
them, trained a large corps of skilled nurses and attendants, and distributed annually tons of reading matter.
While the Christian Commission and the Sanitary Commis- sion engaged in some respects in the same work, yet each had its special field and each was necessarily supplemental to each other. Neither could have been spared, and both merited and received the heartfelt gratitude of the army and the people.
It is not to be inferred for a moment that the recital of the work rendered by volunteer associations should cause forgetful- ness or want of full appreciation of the devoted and self-sacri- ficing and untiring labors of members of the Medical Depart- ment of the United States Army nor of hundreds of officers in every branch of the service. The number of cases treated in the Army Hospitals was 5,825,480, and the number of deaths
was 393.504-
Special mention must be made of Miss Dorothea Lynde Dix, " who stands in history as the most eminent philanthropist of modern times." Her biographer, Francis Tiffany, describes her as " the founder of vast and enduring institutions of mercy in America and Europe, having simply no peer in the annals of Protestantism. ' '
Early in r86i she had communicated the results of a recent visit in the South in behalf of her great scheme for ameliorating the condition of the insane to her friend, Mr. S. M. Felton, president of the Philadelphia and Baltimore railroad, and warned him of a great conspiracy to seize upon Washington, with its archives and records, and then declare the Southern Confed- eracy de facto the government of the United States. At the same time all means of communication were to be cut off between Washington and the Northern States.
As soon therefore as the attack was made on the troops hast- ening through Baltimore to the defense of Washington and the
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WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
railroads had been partially destroyed, Mr. Felton by a mas- terly move seized all the steamboats on the Chesapeake and had them in readiness for the second detachment of the Massa- chusetts troops. While all was still in tumult and only three hours after the massacre in Baltimore, Miss Dix boarded the last train that was permitted to leave for Washington.
She reported herself, though about sixty years old, on April 20, at the War Department and to the Surgeon General for free service as a volunteer nurse. She was at once appointed by the order of Secretary Cameron as superintendent of women nurses " to select and assign women nurses to general or per- manent military hospitals, they not to be employed in such hos- pitals without her sanction and approval except in cases of urgent need."
Without waiting for the Government in its distracted state, Miss Dix provided her own means of operation by laying upon her country's altar not only herself but her fortune. At her own expense she hired two houses in Washington to be used as headquarters for nurses and convalescent soldiers, as well as for depositories of supplies for which she at once appealed to the people.
Up to the time of the Civil War the United States had main- tained an army of but 20,000 to 25,000 men, and no mind in the country had ever coped with the problem of dealing with the medical care of large forces. No agency, it was soon found, short of powerful organizations like the Christian and Sanitary Commissions, with their immense sums of money, enormous stores of supplies and active, competent and devoted workers could supply the need. Miss Dix applied herself unremittingly to the task assigned her, and during the four long years of the war she never took a day's furlough. Untiringly did she remain at her post, organizing bands of nurses, forwarding
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THE HUMANITIES OF THE WAR
supplies, inspecting hospitals, and in many a case of neglect or abuse making her name and presence a salutary terror. By her rigid ideas of honesty, and faithful discharge of duty, and insist- ence on proper administration, she excited opposition from many surgeons and even nurses, She had, however, the sturdy and untiring support of the Secretary of War, Mr. Stanton. Un- popularity reaped in doing duty at all risks was a commenda- tion in his eyes rather than a reproach.
So high was the sense of the country's indebtedness to this woman who had been first on the ground and last to quit the post of duty, that at the close of the war she was asked in what shape it would be. most agreeable to her to have her services officially recognized.
A great public meeting presided over by the highest officials or a vote of money from Congress were proposed. These she absolutely declined and to the query : " What then would you like," responded : " The flags of my country."
A beautiful pair of national colors were specially made by the Government and sent to her.
In acknowledging this gift, Miss Dix said : "No more precious gift could have been bestowed and no possession will be so prized while life remains to love and serve my country."
It is impossible to describe the labors of the Government and of individuals for the contrabands or Freedmen, which included physical relief, temporary homes and schools, and religious instruction.
There were in the army which assembled in Washington many devoted, intelligent chaplains and these formed a Chap- lain's Association which met weekly and cooperated with the Young Men's Christian Association workers in Washington.
In 1861 no chaplains had been provided for hospitals. Two wealthy ladies of New York, the Misses Woolsey, residing in
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Washington, offered to pay the salary of a chaplain for the hos- pitals in Alexandria, Virginia. They did this, and also used their private carriage to carry stores to the hospitals.
As many church buildings were occupied as Government hospitals, the members of these churches made special efforts to relieve the suffering within their reach, and these labors were unrecorded and yet formed a great aggregate which, with those of members of the Masonic fraternity, Odd Fellows, and similar organizations, should be taken into account in describ- ing the charities of the citizens of Washington.
Special mention must be made of Walt Whitman, whose noble work is so well known to the soldiers.
The citizens of Washington contributed liberally to those benevolent and patriotic organizations, and in every way aided in the relief of the sick and wounded, and the cheer and comfort of the afflicted.
This brief sketch of the work will, it is hoped, be accepted as a faint tribute to the labors of the noble men and women whose services, though not rendered on the battlefield as combatants, were truly Soldiers of the Cross and carried consolation and succor, hope, and loving ministration to the Grand Army of the Republic.
[182]
Arlington and Battlefield Cemeteries
GENEKAL IKWIN MCDOWELL
By ISABEL WORRELL BALL Chairman , Press Committee , Thirty-sixth National Encampment
N the Virginia hills, with the placid Potomac below, where the shadow of the Capitol's white dome falls athwart the shimmering waters and the Monument like a grim sentinel is ever on duty at the gateway, lies Arlington, the National City of the Dead, where sleep nearly 19,000 "soldiers of the Union, mustered out."
It was the great war governor of Pennsylvania, Andrew G. Curtin, who suggested that National interment of the Nation's heroes would be but simple justice to those who died in the Nation's defense. It was on the soil of Pennsylvania that the first shrine to the dead of a war fought in National defense was dedicated. At Gettys- burg, on November 19, 1863, this first dedication occurred and the tribute to the battlefield dead and the Union soldiers, paid by President Lincoln, is read each recurring Memorial Day in every cemetery in the world where a soldier of the Union sleeps.
Standing on the yet battle-roughened spot, with the Catoctin mountains for his western horizon, and the Round Tops limned against the Southern sky, President Lincoln saw the
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WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
great panorama of nearly three years spread out before him, and at his feet the graves of 3,000 men who had " fought the fight and kept the faith." A pitiful handful of the thousands and thousands sacrificed in the war whose end was not yet in sight. His great heart was heavy with the woe of it all, and in homely pathos he gave utterance to words which have been printed in nearly every tongue and pronounced under every sky where patriotism and true valor are cherished. Words that have long been accepted as the purest example of English expression extant. In his clear voice which suffering had softened, he said :
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new Nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great Civil War testing whether that Nation or any Nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting- place for those who here gave their lives that that Nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot conse- crate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here ; but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedi- cated here to the unfinished work which they wdio fought here, have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion ; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain ;
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ARLINGTON AND BATTLEFIELD CEMETERIES
that this Nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom ; and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
And they have not "died in vain," for like Moslems to Mecca, journey the people to these " battle cemeteries," there to learn new lessons in patriotism while the example of ' ' these honored dead ' ' inspires increased devotion to the principles for which they gave up their lives.
Of the eighty-three National cemeteries, Arlington is the most beautiful and the best known. Much that has been said about the acquisition of Arlington by the Government is not true. It never belonged to George Washington nor to Robert E. Lee. It was not confiscated by the Government. The United States bought Arlington estate, paying for it nearly six times as much as its broad acres had ever been declared to be worth by the assessor.
Arlington has had but few owners and the title to the estate is easy to trace. One year less than forty after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the 1,100 acres in Fairfax, Virginia, were granted under a patent of Sir William Berkely, Governor of Virginia, to Robert Howser, who named the estate for the Earl of Arlington. Its next owners were the Alexanders. From them it was purchased by John Parke Custis, the son of Martha Washington by her first husband. The head of the American Custis family was an immigrant inn-keeper, for- merly of Rotterdam, Holland.
John Parke Custis, at his death, devised the estate to his son, George Washington Parke Custis. This was the boy who grew up at Mount Vernon. He died in 1857, and by will devised Arlington to his only child, Mary Ann Randolph
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WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Custis, who was married to Robert E. Lee, she to enjoy the estate during her life. At her death the plantation was to become the property of her son, George Washington Custis I,ee, provided he took the name Custis and dropped the name of Lee. He was also to adopt the Custis arms. He never did either, and had to invoke the aid of the courts to give him a clear title to the vast estates of his grandfather, long after the war, and after the death of his mother, the wife of Robert E. Lee.
On April 20, 1861, Robert E. Lee resigned his commission as Colonel in the United States Army, and on April 22, 1861, with his wife, children, and most of his servants, left Arlington for Richmond. On April 23, Lee became commander-in-chief of the Virginia forces of the Confederate army. The Lees thus practically abandoned Arlington, to which they never returned, nor did they make the slightest attempt to assert ownership during the life of Mrs. Lee.
In 1861, Congress, to provide revenue for the Government, passed an act levying a direct tax apportioned among the States severally. In June, 1862, a law was enacted providing for the collection of this tax in insurrectionary districts, and all tracts and parcels of land upon which the owners failed or refused to pay this tax, were to be sold in about the same manner as property is sold today for delinquent taxes. This act also provided that at such sale of land, by direction of the President, it might be bid in by the tax sale commissioners for the United States to be used for war, military, naval, revenue, charitable, or police purposes.
Virginia's share in this direct tax was something over >,ooo. Arlington Heights formed a great strategical point
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ARLINGTON AND BATTLEFIELD CEMETERIES
in the defense of Washington, and three days after the Lees left the place, the first Union troops began to arrive in Wash- ington. Beyond the Long Bridge and on Arlington Heights the first camp-fires of the War of the Rebellion were kindled not to be extinguished till Lee laid down his sword at Appo- mattox. On the hills under the trees a tented town sprang up, whose streets were patrolled by men in Union blue.
Two forts were located on the estate. Fort Whipple, now known as Fort Myer, and Fort McPherson. an earthwork, which has recently been restored to its war-time form. These were a part of the system of forts and batteries designed for the protection of Washington.
The Surgeon's staff of the hospital corps was finally estab- lished at Arlington, and long lines of hospital tents stretched away under the dim aisles of oaks and elms, sheltering the victims of war's awful havoc. The big colonial mansion with its huge stuccoed pillars then housed the commanding officers.
Virginia having failed to pay her personal tax as provided by law, the United States, on January n, 1864, proceeded to sell many parcels of land. Under recommendation of the Sec- retary of War and approved by the President, the Arlington estate was put up at public auction, after long advertisement in the Virginia papers. Very few were interested enough to bid upon it, and the United States being the highest bidder, got it for $26,000. The estate had been assessed in 1S60 at a valuation of $34,000.
Arlington was by this time one vast hospital.
At the breaking out of the war there was but one military cemetery in the District of Columbia, and that was at the Soldiers' Home. Over S,ooo soldiers who had died in the
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WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
hospitals in and around Washington had been buried in this cemetery, and in May, 1864, all permits for burial there were refused, the space being filled. The deaths from wounds and disease in the vicinity of Washington reached half a hundred a day, and it was necessary to locate another cemetery at once.
On May 13, 1864, President Lincoln, as was his wont, left the White House in his carriage to visit the hospitals where his " boys " were confined, and took with him General M. C. Meigs, who was then Quartermaster General of the United States Army. Their last visit of the afternoon was to Arlington. Here they found twelve bodies waiting to be carried to the military cemetery at the Soldiers' Home, where there was no ground in which to bury them. On the spur of the moment, General Meigs ordered all the dead awaiting burial to be interred on the grounds at once, and he designated the spot near the gardens of the Mansion House, where the interment was to be made.
Just as the sun was sinking in a red glow which irradiated the great unfinished dome across the Potomac and illuminated the hundreds of windows, the twelve black painted coffins were placed beside twelve little mounds of clay, and a chaplain read the burial service over each. Then the bodies were lowered into the graves, and the first interments in Arlington National Cemetery had been made. The first body of the twelve over which the burial service was read as shown by the records was that of a rebel prisoner who died in Arlington hospital. The next body was that of a New York soldier. There now sleep beside him nearly 19,000 wearers of the blue.
In May, 1877, twelve years after the war closed, George Washington Custis Lee, who had never complied with the
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ARLINGTON AND BATTLEFIELD CEMETERIES
conditions of his grandfather's will by which he was to inherit Arlington, provided he took the name Custis, dropping that of Lee, and took also the Custis arms, brought suit in the courts to legalize his title without this formality, and then brought suit against the United States for the value of the estate. After many years of litigation, the United States secured a clear title to the Arlington estate of 1,100 acres by paying George Washington Custis Lee the sum of $150,000., making $176,000 that had been paid for an estate which one year before the war had been valued by its owners at $34,000.
This National Necropolis is one of the famous places of the world. Nature has done her best for the beautiful spot, and art has not attempted to paint the lily. A stone wall, most of it hidden under clinging vines, surrounds the cemetery and on the river side it is entered by three historic gateways. The first is the Ord and Weitzel gate. Two tall columns bearing the names are over-arched and surmounted by a funeral urn. The second gate has four great columns of stone supporting a moulded cross piece of granite. The name Sheridan in bold relief on this cross piece gives the gate its title. It has also four columns which bear the names of Lincoln, Scott, Stanton, and Grant. The third gate is named for McClellan. The material of which these gates are constructed was taken from the old War Department which was torn down to make place for the present magnificent structure, and the columns were among the adornments of that historic structure. From these gates through primeval forests, over deep ravines and along hills for nearly a mile, roadways wind up to the Mansion, to the open ground about the building and the smooth sward and asphalted drives and walks.
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No change has been made in the Mansion since it was built nearly a century ago. One half is occupied by the superin- tendent of the grounds, and the other half is given over to bare floors and the walls to official maps. Into the walls of the great central hall are let large tablets of black marble bear- ing in letters of white, Lincoln's Gettysburg address, and Ingersoll's famous Memorial Day oration.
The grounds about the Mansion are laid out in floral corps badges, and the names of famous generals are formed in grow- ing plants. A small white Temple of Fame stands in the midst of these, bearing upon its snow white columns the names of Lincoln, Grant, David Porter, Farragut, McPherson, Sedgwick, Reynolds, Humphreys, Garfield, Mansfield, Thomas, Meade, Washington. A short distance away is the amphi- theater where Memorial Day exercises are held. Picturesque and classic in outlines this vine-envolved temple of oratory might have been plucked from ancient Greece.
In between these, under stately trees that lift their heads a hundred feet into the sky, stands the Tomb of the Unknown Dead — just a grim pile of rough hewn granite and marble, standing four square to the world, and housing the remains of 2,111 dead, who " to fortune and to fame unknown," their very names forgotten, sleep the sleep of heroes. From Chan- tilly to the Rappahannock the bodies were gathered. They were found in lonely fence corners, under tangled thickets, by running streams, in the deep forest. Sometimes there were only a few bones and a belt buckle left to identify the remains, but wherever they were unearthed, the poor fragments were
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gathered in small plain boxes of uniform size, each skeleton to itself. A great vault, thirty feet deep and two hundred feet square, was constructed of solid masonry where the monu- ment now stands, and here the 2,111 boxes were deposited. Above this vault there was constructed, in 1876, the massive memorial sarcophagus. It bears the simple inscription :
Here lie the bones of 2,111 unknown soldiers. Their remains could not be identified, but their names and deaths are recorded in the archives of their country, and its grateful citizens honor them as of their noble army of martyrs. May they rest in peace.
The graves in Arlington, as in all the National Cemeteries, wrere at first marked with a wooden slab bearing the name, service and date of death. In 1872 the Quartermaster General decided to mark them all with small marble slabs, suitably inscribed, and this has been done. There are about 18,000 of these small headstones in Arlington, but there are nearly four thousand of these that are very small indeed. They have upon them the single word, " Unknown " !
Among the noted dead who sleep in Arlington are Sheridan, Porter, Farragut, Wright, Crook, Ricketts, Hazen, Myers, Baxter, Mower, Sturgis, Harney, Paul, Meigs, Belknap, Plummer, and many others. In one section cared for as ten- derly as any other, sleep several hundred Confederates, who died in the hospitals about Washington. One whole section is given over to colored soldiers, and one plot contains the remains of several soldiers of earlier wars, reinterred there in 1889. In the Spanish War section, there are nearly 1 ,000 graves.
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Scattered about the grounds are the tombs and crumbling headstones of the former owners, the Randolphs, Custises, and Lees.
Under the trees and along the paths beside which these heroes sleep there are tablets of bronze, bearing in white letters, the following verses from the great elegiac poem of Colonel Theodore O'Hara, which will tell through centuries to come of the tender memories that cluster about the last resting places of the battlefield dead :
The muffled drum's sad roll has beat,
The soldier's last tattoo ; No more on Life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few.
On Fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread, And Glory guards with solemn round
The bivouac of the deed.
No rumor of the foe's advance
Now swells upon the wind ; No troubled thought at midnight haunts
Of loved ones left behind.
No vision of the morning's strife
The warrior's dream alarms ; No braying horn nor screaming fife
At dawn shall call to arms.
The neighing troop, the flashing blade,
The bugle's stirring blast ; The charge, the dreadful cannonade,
The din and shout are past.
Rest on, embalmed and sainted dead,
Dear as the blood ye gave ; No impious footstep here shall tread The herbage of your grave.
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Nor shall your glories be forgot
While fame her record keeps, Or honor points the hallow spot
Where valor proudly sleeps.
Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight,
Nor Time's remorseless doom, Shall dim one ray of holy light
That gilds your glorious tomb.
These same lines are found in each of the eighty-three National Cemeteries.
There are many beautiful cemeteries in Washington where thousands of soldiers sleep, but they are not National in char- acter, and are not cared for by the National Government. The Military Cemetery at the Soldiers' Home, is maintained by a percentage of the monthly pay of retired regulars in the Home.
The National Cemetery at Alexandria contains four acres, and in it are buried the remains of 3,660 Union soldiers, from the hospitals and battlefields of the vicinity. It is a beautiful tree-shaded spot, but no notable graves are there. In the center stands a fine monument to the four citizen firemen of Alexandria, who lost their lives in a collision on the Potomac while in pursuit of the assassin Booth, on April 24, 1865.
One of the smallest of the National cemeteries, and the only one located in the District of Columbia, proper, is Battlefield Cemetery, near Fort Stevens. Forty Union dead are there interred. Where they lie in low green tents, cannon once thundered answering the tread of thousands of marching men. Where the flowers now bloom about them, bullets once lay like pebbles along the pathway and blood reddened the powder- burned herbage. On the spot where these bodies lie surged the Union and Rebel armies under the eyes of President
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Lincoln in a mighty struggle for the possession of Washing- ton. When the tide of battle rolled back, Early was van- quished and the Nation's Capital was saved.
Earth may run red with other wars — they are at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, the}" found the serenitj' of death.
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Political and Social Conditions During the War
By BRAINARD H. WARNER Chairman of the Thirty-sixth National Encampment
EFORE the Civil War Washington was in many respects but little more than a country village. Yet ior more than half a century it had been the chief center of politi- iWt^^Mm w cal excitement in the United States.
Wjj JH The question of slavery had long
been the principal cause of conten- tion between different sections of the Union. The increasing power of the North and West was regarded with apprehension by the South, largely in consequence of the constant and con- tinued agitation of extremists, who denounced human bondage of every kind.
Inducements for travel were not so great as now. Tourists from the Northern States felt they would not be welcome in the South and would be viewed with suspicion. They preferred to avoid the slave section, where every property-owner felt it his bounden duty to prevent the circulation of the pronounced anti-slavery journals.
Southern people looked upon Northern men as unfair and extreme and as having designs upon the fortunes and prosper- ity of their political antagonists. In their eyes John Brown
SECKETAHI HOLT
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was only a representative of a large class, who would hesitate at nothing to gain a fixed purpose. Moreover, the people of the South who had time and means for travel were glad to spend their leisure among their own fellow citizens at the vari- ous resorts where they could find pastimes suited to their tastes, where mint juleps and toddies were popular and the race-course and tournament were favorite sources of pleasure.
A large proportion of those who lived in the Southern States were both religious and refined, although a belief prevailed in the North that the South was generally a place of ease and profligacy and that its inhabitants were largely given over to card-playing and drinking. Duels were of frequent occurrence. It was an open and constant boast that one Southern man accustomed to hunting and shooting was more than a match for four Yankees ; and the latter were said to be cowardly and unwilling to fight for their rights. This was currently believed in the South.
Thus it will be seen readily that each section of the Union persistently misunderstood the other. The attitude of the South, however, proved to be the more significant. The bal- ance of influence in Congress had been held from the foundation of the Union by representatives from Southern States ; it was only natural, then, that the growth of other sections inimical to their institutions should provoke their leaders to prepare for a. conflict of interests.
To this end the people of the South had been gathering resources for defense for some time prior to 1861. Of these resources, of the war assets of the South, of its capacity for self-sacrifice, the North had no accurate conception. North- erners little understood the character which the strain of subse- quent events was to make manifest.
In Washington this position of the South found abundant support. Public patronage for years before the war had been given largely to representatives from the Southern States, who naturally sympathized with slavery and its institutions.
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.SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
The chiefs of many important bureaus freely expressed their hope for the success of a secession movement, should one be undertaken. When Sumter was fired on, therefore, and steps taken to establish a separate government, many residents of the National Capital left the city hurriedly and openly cast their fortunes with the South. Friendships of a lifetime were disrupted. Brothers, sisters, parents and children, sweethearts and lovers, and even man and wife, were frequently divided in their allegiance to the cause of the Union.
Although many of the prominent leaders were hostile to the National Government, the great majority of the people in the District of Columbia were opposed to secession. The loyal militia organized quietly, and with the coming of the new administration and the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln it was ready to protect the officials of the new administration and defend the Capital until such time as overt acts of hostility should make it necessary for volunteers from the North to assist in the national defense.
Meanwhile great excitement prevailed. Union sentiment in the District was strong enough to obtain a vote for appropria- tions to pay bounties to volunteers and the hire of drafted men. A peace convention was held and attended by men of prominence. A fast day was observed on September 26, 1861. There were still a large number opposed to the loyalists, men who remained away from the peace convention, who held numerous meetings and sent messages calculated to weaken the Federal influence by arousing suspicion among the loyal defenders of the Capital. Communications of valuable secret information were constantly transmitted to the enemy. Frequent arrests were made and occasionally an offender was imprisoned.
With local conditions such as have been indicated, the administration of Mr. Lincoln began. Washington had been an orderly and easy-going city. The fact that in 1861 the expenses of the police department were only about $32,580 is proof that order was preserved with comparative ease ; in 1901 the corresponding expenditure was $743,565.
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But as the Republican administration advanced the situation changed. The usually quiet Capital swarmed with newly- enlisted men who were frequently sent on without regard to equipment or discipline. Many of them were unarmed and had no adequate conception of the struggle in which they were to be important factors. It often required the assistance of the District Militia, aided by the fully-armed, equipped, and dis- ciplined militia of the North, and the small number of soldiers of the Regular Army then here, to preserve order and discipline. Even the newly-appointed officers were often without military experience or ideas. Army wagons and artillery tore up the streets and roads. Thousands of mules, driven by profane drivers, added to the excitement.
In addition to this army came another of contractors and speculators, men not sufficiently patriotic to enlist as soldiers, but greedy enough to make the largest possible profit out of the necessities of war. They were in some instances ' ' shoddy, ' ' both morally and socially, and avoided no measures which would lead to financial success. Many old residents regarded this incursion as a great indignity. They gauged the busi- ness men of the North by those who came to Washington. Ladies, gentle and refined, who had been accustomed to ease and luxury at the National Capital, looked upon the over- dressed wives and companions of the newly- arrived business men as representing the social conditions existing in the North, and fixed their condemnation accordingly. With the officers, soldiers, and contractors, their wives and relatives, the resi- dent families wanted no intercourse.
Prices increased, not only for merchandise, but for board and lodging. Many who occupied houses charged fabulous prices for taking care of the new arrivals who had to be supplied with food and rooms. Others erected temporary quarters and charged exorbitant rates in order to get back their money as soon as possible.
Washington had then quite a number of residences which were regarded as fine. Its hotel accommodations, although
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SOCIAL AXD POLITICAL COUXHT1
limited, had been sufficient to meet the demand upon then. The most noted. Willard's Hotel, was the headquarters in Wash- ington of the radically loyal element, of officers, soldiers, and citizens who gathered thereto hear news from the front or to dis- cuss the situation and the relative claims to public honor urged on -.eha".:' ;■: —i'Aizzy i.r.i ~J\-\.\~.- ~.--- . -.'-_-.- ---.-:---: :--.:•; '-.
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WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
But as the Republican administration advanced the situation changed. The usually quiet Capital swarmed with newly- enlisted men who were frequently sent on without regard to equipment or discipline. Many of them were unarmed and had no adequate conception of the struggle in which they were to be important factors. It often required the assistance of the District Militia, aided by the fully-armed, equipped, and dis- ciplined militia of the North, and the small number of soldiers of the Regular Army then here, to preserve order and discipline. Even the newly-appointed officers were often without military experience or ideas. Army wagons and artillery tore up the streets and roads. Thousands of mules, driven by profane drivers, added to the excitement.
In addition to this army came another of contractors and speculators, men not sufficiently patriotic to enlist as soldiers, but greedy enough to make the largest possible profit out of the necessities of war. They were in some instances " shoddy," both morally and socially, and avoided no measures which would lead to financial success. Many old residents regarded this incursion as a great indignity. They gauged the busi- ness men of the North by those who came to Washington. I,adies, gentle and refined, who had been accustomed to ease and luxury at the National Capital, looked upon the over- dressed wives and companions of the newly- arrived business men as representing the social conditions existing in the North, and fixed their condemnation accordingly. With the officers, soldiers, and contractors, their wives and relatives, the resi- dent families wanted no intercourse.
Prices increased, not only for merchandise, but for board and lodging. Many who occupied houses charged fabulous prices for taking care of the new arrivals who had to be supplied with food and rooms. Others erected temporary quarters and charged exorbitant rates in order to get back their money as soon as possible.
Washington had then quite a number of residences which were regarded as fine. Its hotel accommodations, although
[ 202 ]
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
limited, had been sufficient to meet the demand upon them. The most noted, Willard's Hotel, was the headquarters in Wash- ington of the radically loyal element, of officers, soldiers, and citizens who gathered there to hear news from the front or to dis- cuss the situation and the relative claims to public honor urged on behalf of military and civilian officers. Other prominent hotels and places of resort were the Ebbitt House, Wormley's, the Kirkwood, which then occupied the site where the Raleigh now stands, the Metropolitan, the National, Mrs. Whitney's and Caspari's House on Capitol Hill, Wicker's, Gautier's and Hancock's restaurant, the last named being still in existence. The hosts which came from the North in the early days of 1 86 1 prior to the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln looked upon a very different city from the new and greater Washington of to-day. The Capitol was unfinished ; blocks of granite and marble were scattered about waiting to be placed in position and the building had no dome. The Treasury, Post-Office, and Interior Department buildings were also incomplete. The Washington monument had not attained half its present height. There was ample area on which to build a city with little promise that it could ever become one of the most beautiful capitals on the earth.
Take away the War, State, and Navy Department building, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, National Museum, Agri- cultural Department building, Congressional Library, City Post- Office, Pension Bureau, Public Library, Pennsylvania Railroad Station, and Corcoran Gallery of Art ; all the theatres but one ; the modern school buildings ; the New Willard, Gordon, Raleigh, Cochran, Grafton, Riggs, Shoreham, Arlington, Dewey, and Richmond hotels ; the street railways ; all the good street pavements and most of the sidewalks ; a large proportion of the fine residences and stores ; all the statues and monuments with few exceptions ; cut down nearly all the trees that border our thoroughfares ; remove the improvements from all but three of our important squares ; tear down all the houses north of K Street and west of 14th Street and nearly all east of
[203]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
the Capitol ; wipe out of existence all but three of the banks and trust companies ; take off the map of the District every suburban subdivision ; restore the hills and valleys which have dis- appeared with the improvement of our streets and avenues ; restore the B Street Canal and Tiber Creek running through the city and cutting off what was known as ' ' The Island " ; put in their old positions all the streams, ditches, pools, and swamps which have long since been carried into sewers or filled up ; then let horses, cows, goats, and pigs roam at will over the larger part of the city's area — and you will have a fair view of the place from which was to be directed the great campaign to preserve the Republic. Here Lincoln was to see the war for the Union opened and closed, his country strengthened, per- petuated, and saved.
The narrow limits of the public school system in 1861 may be understood from the fact that it cost but $27,064, while in 1901 the appropriation for public education was $1,108,619. The fire department, then operated by volunteers, cost but $1,610. In 1901, the corresponding allowance was $325,920.
The city was growing steadily. From 1850 to i860 its popu- lation had increased 45 per cent. There were but few rich residents although a large number were in moderate circum- stances and the cost of living was comparatively low.
The social standards were peculiar. Education was consid- ered dangerous to the masses. Those in trade were looked down upon until they attained political preferment or acquired fortunes large enough to give them influence. Work demeaned everybody. A resident of the District who inherited valuable property remarked, "I never did a day's work and I never will." He lived long enough to waste his ample fortune through inattention, and passed into the next world leaning on charitable friends. Any occupation which would require a woman of social standing to leave her own family and home was deplored. Seclusion and poverty were ordinarily preferred to self-help. Female labor, except by persons of the middle classes, was unheard of. What a wonderful change has taken
[204]
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
place in this respect ! Now women are employed in every department of the Government, by every corporation, firm, and individual doing business of any magnitude ; and the workers are contented, happy, and respected. The memory of slave labor and its concomitants has almost passed away, and it is now difficult to realize what an important place it once occu- pied in the life of Washington.
The colored people were as a rule respectful and made good servants. Although they met with almost invariable kindness and consideration, they were generally treated as an inferior race, born to do menial service. They were not allowed to ride on an omnibus line which was inaugurated about that time, and when horse-cars were introduced separate vehicles were provided for them. This phase of public opinion may perhaps be better understood when it is recalled that in January, 1866, nearly 6,600 ballots were cast by the voters of the District against mixed suffrage and 35 in favor of it. No colored person could testify in legal proceedings and frequently much embar- rassment arose from this restriction. Judge Andrew Wylie, who was for a long time on the Supreme bench of the District of Columbia and for some years prior to his appointment a practicing attorney in the District courts, said that in a case in which he appeared for one of the litigants he was convinced that the only person thoroughly acquainted with the facts involved was a colored man ; that he so stated to the Court and claimed that in the interest of justice his witness should be allowed to testify but his motion was denied. It is worthy of note that Andrew Wylie at that time lived in Alexandria and was one of the two men in that city who voted for Abraham Lincoln in i860.
As the war progressed people of the different sections became better acquainted with each other. The generous provision made by the North for supplies for the sick and wounded, often shared by their enemies, helped to dispel the intense bitter- ness which existed in the early days of 1861. Many officers and soldiers fell in love with the fine and beautiful women who
[205]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
at first treated them with scorn and contempt, but afterwards came to admire the good qualities of the Yankee sufficiently to marry Northerners. The war brought many blessings in dis- guise, and not the least of them was this influx of new and vig- orous men who were persuaded by one consideration or another to make Washington their home.
Wonderful results have been accomplished within the last thirty years. The sluggish and unenterprising city seems to have awakened from its dreams and has assumed attractions which make the people of the Union — without regard to section — its admiring friends. It competes with no other city in busi- ness or manufactures. It is a city of homes and the home of the National Government. It is the charming and gracious mistress of the nation's hospitality. But more noteworthy than everything else, it is the political headquarters of the United States.
[ 206]
JOHN HAX
Washington of Today
By HENRY BROWN FLOYD MACFARLAND President, Board of Commissioners, District of Columbia
0R.TY years have changed Wash- ington almost more than any other American city. The boys of '61 returning here for the first time would know the city by its sur- roundings and by the great land- mark, the Capitol, whose dome was building under Abraham Lin- coln's faith, during the Civil War. But otherwise Washington must seem like a new city. Looking at it from any of the hills around it, but especially, perhaps, from Arlington, itself so changed since it became the bivouac of the noble dead, they would see the completed Washington Monument, now dominat- ing every view of the National Capital ; the incompara- ble Congressional Library Building, rivaling the Capitol ; the great, gray State, War, and Navy building, standing on the sites of the little old buildings where Stanton and Welles directed the operations of the War and Navy Depart- ments, and a score of high structures occupied by churches, colleges, and business corporations, besides a vast, growth of trees, in orderly array along the streets and avenues, which make a mighty forest in the heart of the Capital. Then, as they crossed over the Potomac, on one of the unchanged bridges, they
[209]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME;
would see how the channel has been narrowed by improvements which have reclaimed a wide park land out of the shallows and marshes, and if they came in through older Georgetown, itself almost as unchanged as the bridges, they would find, in place of the rough roads of the Civil War time, graded and asphalted streets and side-walks gradually changing from brick to con- crete, shaded almost everywhere by some of the eighty thousand trees which, with the well-kept little parks, distinguish Wash- ington from all other American cities. They would find at once a system of street railways, with underground electric trolley motors, covering not only all of the city of Washington and Georgetown, but a great part of the District of Columbia outside, and running beyond the borders to Bladensburg, Rockville, Cabin John's Bridge in Maryland, and Alexandria, Arlington, and Mount Vernon in Virginia. They would find that the best way to see the newer Washington and its surroundings is by these car lines, beginning, perhaps, with that special tourists' car, which, in a two hours' circuit, passes a thousand interesting things. Almost every important National Government building and almost every place of historic interest can be directly reached by means of these railways, and many of the most attractive private residences, club and apartment houses, churches and schools, can be seen from their cars. A trip through northwestern Washington and on beyond over the hills, reveals absolutely new scenes to the man who has not been here since the Civil War. Even the veteran who ten years ago was here at the memorable National Encampment, when an ex-President of the United States was among the eminent men who marched in review past the President of the United States, will find much that is new and beautiful in the buildings in that quarter, and if he goes out to
[210]
WASHINGTON OF TODAY
Rock Creek Park and its small companion, Zoological Park, he will be as much surprised and delighted as if he had not been here since 1865. What is called Greater Washington, spreading out in every direction over the hills surrounding the old city on every side, except that of the Potomac, is of comparatively recent creation. The old soldier, going out to revisit one of the forts in the circle of Washington's defenses, will find all the older natural beauty and in addition much of the beauty that man produces. Looking at the Capital, either from the center of the city or from the circumference of the hills, its grandeur always appeals to the visitor. Many persons of taste who have seen all the great capitals of the world believe that none of them surpasses the Capital of the United States, taken with its surroundings, in present beauty, and some consider it now the most magnificent of all. Certainly it must be admitted that when all the plans for its development and embellishment are carried out, it will stand unrivaled.
In the last forty years Washington has quadrupled in popu- lation and the accessions have been largely of people of superior intelligence and cultivation, representing the best elements in all the States and Territories. Many rich people have become residents, at least for the winter months. The development of the executive departments of the National Government, with the growth of the nation's business, and the great increase in the scientific work carried on by the nation, have drawn to Washington many able men. The peculiar facilities for edu- cational institutions, multiplying the number of colleges and schools, have drawn large numbers of scholars and students. Every variety of society is therefore to be found at its best in Washington. The presence of the President, the Cabinet, the
[211]
WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME
Supreme Court, Congress, the Diplomatic Corps, the highest officers of the Army and Navy, and many eminent scientists and scholars gives it a cosmopolitan character that is most attractive, and draws visitors in increasing numbers from all over the United States and Canada and many other countries. The healthful climate, which is also agreeable during the greater part of the year, the beauty, comfort, and convenience of the city, the exceptional interest of its life, the absence of local partisan politics — because the elective franchise has been abolished — and the absence of great manufacturing establish- ments, are among the things which make Washington almost ideal as a residence city. The good government of the District of Columbia, with its admirable public-school system, police and fire departments, and other municipal features, all free from the scandalous practices of blackmail and bribery, political favoritism, and corruption, which stain so many American municipalities, may be mentioned as one of the reasons why most people like to live in Washington.
It is, perhaps, not generally known that the City of Wash- ington itself has no government of its own such as it had during the Civil War. At that time, under the general legislative authority of Congress, which, by the Constitution, is given the exclusive power of legislation, but no executive or judicial authority, in the District of Columbia, Washington and George- town (like Alexandria, which was taken out of the District in 1846 upon the retrocession of Virginia's contribution to the District), had municipal governments with mayors and councils elected by the qualified voters. In 1871 these governments were abolished and a territorial form of government for the entire District of Columbia with a Governor and Legislature and a delegate in Congress was established by Congress. In
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WASHINGTON OF TODAY
1878 that form of government was abolished, together with the elective franchise, and the present form of government by three Commissioners of the District of Columbia, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, was created by an act of Congress, which the Supreme Court has called the "Con- stitution of the District of Columbia." These Commissioners are not the successors of the Mayors of Washington or the Mayors of Georgetown, but of the Governors of the Territory. They are the executive authority not of the City of Washington, but of the District of Columbia. This includes not only the City of Washington and the City of Georgetown, but more than fifteen towns and villages. Over fifty thousand people live in the District outside of the cities of Washington and Georgetown. The Congress of the United States is the legis- lature of the District of Columbia and its judiciary is affiliated with the courts of the United States. The Commissioners recommend legislation, including appropriations, which are made under the organic act of 1878, half from the National Treasury and half from the District tax funds. The United States contributed little or nothing to the general expenses of the District of Columbia prior to 1878, although it was admitted that it ought to do so because this was the National Capital and because the United States owned over one-half of the land, as is still the case. This land was donated to the United States by the original proprietors at the request of George Washing- ton, the founder of the National Capital. With two million dollars secured by the United States from the sale of a portion of this land, together with small grants from Maryland and Virginia, the Capitol and White House and other public build- ings were built, from 1790 on, and the approaches to the National buildings were improved. The National Government
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WASHINGTON DURING WAR TIME)
has paid the rest of the cost of the national buildings and grounds. Congress, besides passing on measures submitted by the Commissioners, refers to them for report all bills proposing legislation for the District of Columbia, and is largely guided by their advice. The President before approving bills relating to the District of Columbia, which have been passed and sent to him by Congress, submits them to the Commissioners for any objections they may have to offer.
No one can have a greater interest in the National Capital than the survivors of the men who maintained and preserved it during the Civil War. They kept the nation from being rent in twain and the National Capital from being swallowed up in the awful gulf. They also discovered the National Capital to the country, which had cared but little about it before the war. The old, persistent talk of moving the Capital out West, started at first before the railway or telegraph gave adequate means of communication, was never seriously revived after the Civil War had hallowed Washington as the Capital for which the blood of the best had been poured out.
General Grant, the leader of the grand armies of the Repub- lic, shared the new feeling about the City of Washington which the Civil War produced, and when he became President gave the powerful support of his influence to the efforts of Alexander R. Shepherd and others who began the transformation which has created the newer Washington. In the process of its improvement through these thirty years, many other veterans of the Civil War who remained here have been prominent and useful. Many of the first citizens of the District of Columbia are survivors of the soldiers of the great conflict. They typify, in their constant and patriotic devotion to the National Capital,
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WASHINGTON OF TODAY
the home of the flag, the center of the nation, the cordial feel- ings which their comrades everywhere entertain respecting it. New Washington, Greater Washington, welcomes with pecu- liar affection the defenders and preservers of the National Cap- ital, its best friends, the veterans of the armies of the Union.
[215]
Press of Byron S. Adams, Washington, D. C.
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Press of Byron S. Adams, Washington, D. C.
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Press 01" Byron S. Adams, Washington, D. C.
Press of Byron S. Adams, Washington, D. C.
APPENDIX A
MAP OF FORTIFICATIONS AND DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON
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MAP SHOWING LOCATION OF WAR-TIME HOSPITALS
C St., Nos. 360 and 364 C St., N. W.
City Infirmary (E St.), North side of E. N. W., between 4th and 5th. Fifth St., School house on 5th, N. W., on Judiciary Square opposite P St. Seminary, (Officers') Rear of Union Hotel, Cor. Gay and Washington Sts
■ Mil
' Cor. New Jersey /
nd I,
■ Uniontown (Anacostia), D. C.
Eckington, In the Eckington (or Gales;
of N.Capitol St.) Finley, North of Boundary St. on Bladensburg road near Kendall Green. Stone, Stone Mansion. Meridian Hill, cast suit- of nth St. road, near Columbiau College, Mount Pleasant, Barracks on Meridian Hill, east side of 14th £"
Hospital. Judiciary Square, Rear of City Hall, 4th to 5th and E to G Sts., N. Columbian College.
5th St. road,
. road, north of Stone General
1 Carver, Barracks 011 Meridian Hill.
/Cliffburne, Cliffburne Barracks, MeridL
( Cliffburne Barracks (depot camp for V. R. C), Meridian Hill St. Aloysius, Barracks, N. Capitol and K Sts., N W , near St. Aloysius Church.
i College, Georgetown College, head of O St., Georgetown.
► Union Hotel, Cor. Bridge and Washington Sts., Georgetown.
> Armory Square, On part of Reservation 17, east of 7th St., it
of Columbian College.
Columbia Armory and Barracks.
Emory, About one mile east of the Capitol, near Alms Hou:
Harewood, On Corcoran farm on 7th St. road near Soldiers' Hoi..
Campbell, Boundary St., northern limit of 5th and 6th Sts., N. W.
Stanton, Barracks, I St., N. W , b ' J Lincoln, Barracks, E. Capitol St.,
1 Lincoln Barracks, same as Lincoln General Hospital. 1 Desmarre's(eye and ear), ":" : I Ricord (venereal), same a;
Eruptive Fever, 1st St., between B ami C S. Iv
Kalorama (eruptive fever), Kalorama Heights c
, S. W. In the old
d Congressional Cemetery.
1 Church, H St. bet. 9th and 10th, N. W.
30 Crauch, Unitarian Church, cor. 6th and D Sts., N. W.
31 Epiphany, Epiphany Church, G St. bet. 13th and 14th Sts., N. W.
32 Trinity, Trinity Church, cor. 3rd and C Sts., N. W.
33 Caspari's, Caspari's House, No. 11 A St., S. E., near Capitol.
34 Ryland, Ryland Chapel, cor. 10th and D Sts., S. W.
35 Ebenezer. Ebenezer Church. D St. bet. 4th and 5th, S. E. 3(J Odd Fellows' Hall. Sth St., S. E- near Navy Yard.
37 Union Chapel, 20th St., N. W-, near Penusylvauia Ave.
38 Presbyterian Church, Cor. Bridge and Washington Sts., Georgetown. 30 City Hall, Indiana and Louisiana Aves. bet. 4th and 5th Sts., N. W.
40 Water's Warehouse, High St. bet. Water and Bridge, Georgetown.
41 Trinity Church, Lingau St. bet. 1st and 2d Sts,, near Georgetown College. 48 Dumbarton Street, M. E. Church, bet. Congress and High Sts., Georgeton
43 Island Hall, Cor. 6th St. and Virginia Ave., S. W.
44 Capitol, part of Capitol building. 4/- (Giesboro, Giesboro Point, D. C.
0 ) Camp Stoneman (Cavalry Depot), Giesboro Point, D. C.
48-j running to 22d and I Sts.
(Camp Fry (Fry Barracks), same as Martindale Barracks. • o f Sedgwick Barracks, bet. iSth and 19th and M and N Sts., N. "
(Williams Barracks, same as Sedgwick Barracks. Rn J Sherburne Barracks, 1st and E Sts., S. E.
\ Russell Baracks, 1st and E Sts., S. E., at 51 Wisewell Barracks, 7th and O Sts., N. W.
ng to P and Q Sts.
1 Farm, H St., N. E.,
fi4 Washington Arsenal, U. S. Arsenal grounds.
21
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